Super League Kerala — Malappuram FC defeats Thrissur Magic to go second in table

Malappuram FC defeated Thissur Magic 2-1 on Saturday. | Photo Credit: K.K. Najeeb

Their fans came in large numbers, hiring several buses. And they could return home happy; their team, Malappuram FC, beat Thrissur Magic 2-1.

The win has taken the Malappuram men to second place in the Super League Kerala, and thus a step closer to a place in the knockout phase. They have 14 points from eight games.

Calicut FC is on top of the table with 17 points and has already made it to the semifinals. Forca Kochi has 13 points and is lying third.

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans is on 11 points, while Thrissur and defending champion Kannur Warriors are on seven each. The Warriors, though, have played a game less, and they will take on Calicut FC at Kozhikode on Sunday in the last of the eighth round matches.

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In this match, Malappuram had started with a handicap: its leading scorer Amadou Soukouna would take no further part this season because of his injury. But the team showed it still could come up with a fine show. Abdelhay Forsy is one of the reasons for that.

The Moroccan, in fact, gave his team the lead late into the opening half, with a superb free-kick just a few yards outside the box. It was a foul by M. Harikrishnan that resulted in the free-kick and the defender was given a red card, which looked a bit unfortunate.

After Silajit Santra equalised for the host with a long-ranger, Forsy set up the winning goal for Malappuram; his brilliant pass, on a counter-attack, was given the finishing touch by Grace Adieu Youmou.