John Kennedy's hat-trick cruises Malappuram FC into semi-finals of Super League Kerala 2025
John Kennedy scored the second hat-trick of the Super League Kerala 2025.
Super League Kerala 2025 couldn’t have asked for a better climax. Malappuram FC qualified for the knockouts with a dominating 4-2 victory against Forca Kochi FC in the final group stage match.
In the first half, Forca Kochi took an early lead off Abith in the 9th minute. Around 20 minutes later, the visiting side doubled their delight off Romario Jesuraj, who provided Forca Kochi with the 2-0 lead.
Malappuram FC attacked from the left, right, and centre and scored two goals in quick succession, courtesy of John Kennedy, to bring the score back to square ahead of the break. In the second half, John Kennedy scored an early goal to score the second hat-trick of the Super League Kerala 2025, and provided Malappuram with the lead for the first time in the match.
Ishan Pandita wiped away all the question marks in the 88th minute by scoring the 4th goal and securing the victory for Malappuram FC. Malappuram secured the final playoff spot with this win and will face Thrissur Magic FC in the semi-final 1.
Kochi Lead, Malappuram Comeback!
Malappuram FC set the attacking tone of the match in the very first minute as John Kennedy capitalised on the space vacated in the left flank to take a shot at goal and keep Kochi on alert. Forca Kochi FC were filled with intent to attack and kept knocking on the Malappuram doors.
In the 9th minute, Abith made a run on the left flank, defeating Abdul Hakku and provided the ball into the 6-yard box. The cross, however, deflected off Irshad and found the back of the net into the tiniest of gaps, providing Forca Kochi with the early advantage.
The 20th minute saw John Kennedy take a well-timed header, which headed straight to the goal. However, Rijohn Jose came to Forca Kochi’s rescue, and a small deflection from the player meant that the goal hit the crossbar. In the 27th minute, Amos made a determined run to provide a cutback to Romario Jesuraj, who tapped the ball into the back of the net to double the advantage of the visiting side.
John Kennedy brought the Payyanad crowd back alive in the 32nd minute after whacking in a brilliant pass from Faslu Rahman to the back of the net, to reduce their deficit to just one goal. Malappuram, after taking the lead, continued to commit some unforced errors in the defensive third, which gifted the ball to Forca Kochi to craft their attacks and pile pressure on the hosts.
In the final seconds of the first half, Elforsy provided a lofted ball into the attacking third, which, after a defensive lapse from Rijohn Jose, found its way into the back of the net with the scoring boots of John Kennedy. After this goal, the referee blew the half-time whistle, with both teams entering the tunnel with the scores level.
The John Kennedy Effect
In the 49th minute, Malappuram FC finally got their much-awaited advantage. Ishan Pandita made an accelerated run and provided a pass to Tony inside the 18-yard box. Tony passed a carpet pass to John Kennedy, who scored the third goal for Malappuram to complete his hat-trick.
Later, Forca Kochi tried all their might to find the equaliser, but the confident and resilient Malappuram FC denied all their fatal attempts. In the 88th minute, Ishan Pandita scored the fourth goal for Malappuram FC to nail the coffin and put the game to bed.
With this win, Malappuram FC climbed to third position in the Super League Kerala group table and will face the second-placed Thrissur Magic FC in the semi-final 2 on December 7.
Semi-Final matches in the Super League Kerala
Thrissur Magic FC will go head-to-head against Malappuram FC for the Semi-Final 1 of the Super League Kerala. The first knockout game will be played on December 7 at the Corporation Stadium, Thrissur.
The Super League Kerala table toppers will lock horns against the fourth-placed Kannur Warriors FC on the 10th December at the EMS Corporation Stadium for the Semi-Final 2 of the Super League Kerala.
The winners of the Semi-Final 1 and the Semi-Final 2 will face off against each other in the ultimate showdown. The final will be held on December 14 at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Calicut.
Fans all across India can watch the Super League Kerala matches on the Sony Sports Network and the Sports.com website.
Who won the Malappuram FC vs Forca Kochi FC match?
Malappuram FC clinched a dominating 4-2 victory against Forca Kochi FC.
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Niranjan R Prabhu is an Economics student from Kochi with an enduring passion for Indian football, especially as a devoted Kerala Blasters FC fan — a club he considers part of his life. Beyond the game, he writes on culture, Indian economic development, and sustainability, always eager to explore ideas in depth. His days are a balancing act between college, writing, and travel.