Marcus Joseph's hat-trick helps Thrissur Magic FC to overcome spirited Malappuram and qualify for Super League Kerala Finals

Thrissur Magic FC will make their debut Super League Kerala Final appearance

A glorious hat-trick from helped Thrissur Magic FC earn a majestic victory against the mighty Malappuram FC in the second semi-final of the Super League Kerala 2025, to take them to the finals of the SLK for the first-time ever. The nail-biting encounter took place on the 15th December at Thrissur’s home soil, the Corporation Stadium.

In the first half, Thrissur Magic broke the deadlock off Marcus Joseph, who demonstrated an impressive presence of mind, to whack in the opener off a free kick. Just minutes ahead of the break, Elforsy thumped in a banger to find the equaliser for Malappuram, bringing the scores back to square.

THAT’S ALL, FOLKS.Thrissur emerges victorious and joins Kannur Warriors in the Grand Final 🤝Malappuram's bus is leaving. 😞#SuperLeagueKerala #SLK #SuperCrazy pic.twitter.com/mGECIZovY1

— Super League Kerala (@slk_kerala) December 15, 2025

In the second half, Marcus Joseph capitalised on a lack of concentration from the Malappuram FC defence to score the second goal and put Thrissur Magic FC in the driver’s seat. In the final minute of the game, Marcus took a powerful dipping ball on target.

The keeper, who failed to judge the ball under pressure, had to watch the ball roll into the net after deflecting from his body. With this goal, Marcus scored the third hat-trick of the season and the victory for the Magicians at their home in Super League Kerala.

Thrissur Strikes, Malappuram Counter-Strikes

Thrissur Magic FC crafted the first real chance of the match, capitalising on the defensive lapse. Kevin provided a brilliant through ball into the final third towards Naveen, who, however, fumbled in front of the goal. Malappuram FC’s attacks in the absence of John Kennedy were spearheaded by Roy Krishna, but to his dismay, none of his shots found the target. The visiting side kept knocking for the vital opener and came so close to scoring in the 22nd minute, when Elforsy’s shot hit the crossbar.

In the 25th minute, Abdul Hakku committed a foul at the edge of the box, providing Thrissur Magic FC a free kick in a very dangerous position. Marcus Joseph stepped up and took a powerful shot, which, after deflecting Nithin Madhu, rolled into the left corner, providing Thrissur with the breakthrough goal. This also marked the first goal for Marcus Joseph in the Super League Kerala 2025.

After trailing, Malappuram FC started to attack with an increased intent and got a brilliant opportunity to find the equaliser just ahead of the break. Abhijith PA made a brilliant run on the right flank and provided a carpet ball inside the penalty box. Fasalu Rahman, who was at the tail of the cross, lacked finishing and skied the ball. Just minutes later, the visiting side won a free kick from a good position. Elforsy rose to the occasion and thumped in a screamer to bring the scores back to parity at half-time.

Marcus Joseph emerges as the Saviour!

Malappuram stated the second half, building upon the momentum from the first half, and put the Thrissur backline on alert right from the first minute. Aitor ventured into the attacking third and took a shot, which missed the goal by a few inches. Thrissur, on the other hand, continued to create confusion in the Malappuram box with their aerial superiority.

In the 61st minute, Malappuram took a stunning free kick yet again off Elforsy, which, after a deflection, went straight to Fasalu, who yet again disappointed. Later, despite consistent attacks from both sides, the semi-final pressure and the strong defensive setup kept them away from scoring. John Kennedy, who came in as a substitute, found the back of the net, but unfortunately, it was ruled out due to an offside.

In the 85th minute, Kevin Padilla was fouled in the midfield. However, just when Malappuram FC players got distracted, Marcus Joseph won the second ball and played on. The Trinidad and Tobago striker made a run with the ball to deceive the Malappuram backline and find the back of the net, providing Thrissur Magic FC with the crucial advantage.

John Kennedy, in the 91st minute, took an excellent header which, to his misfortune, hit the crossbar. Malappuram went all-out-attack for the remainder of the match, and the spirited Thrissur Magic FC lineup ensured that no balls went past them. In the final minute of the game, Marcus took a dipping long-range shot, which confused the keeper and surprisingly found its way into the goal. With this goal, Marcus Joseph completed his hat-trick and sealed the spot in the final for Thrissur Magic FC

When and where to watch Super League Kerala 2025 Final between Kannur Warriors FC and Thrissur Magic FC?

The Super League Kerala 2025 Final will be played between the Kannur Warriors FC and Thrissur Magic FC on the 19th of December 2025 at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium, Kannur.

Fans all across India can watch the Super League Kerala 2025 Finals on the Sony Sports Network, Sports.com and the Super League Kerala official YouTube channel from 7:30 pm onwards.

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