| Kannur Fc vs Thrissur Fc | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Kannur Fc vs Thrissur Fc
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COMPETITION :
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Super League Kerala
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| DATE: |
19-12-2025
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TIME:
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06.00 PM IST
04.30 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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Kannur |
Thrissur Magic FC carved out the first clear opening of the contest by capitalising on a defensive lapse. Kevin split the Malappuram backline with a perfectly weighted through ball into the final third for Naveen, but the forward failed to compose himself and squandered the opportunity in front of goal.
In the absence of John Kennedy, Malappuram FC’s attacking responsibility fell largely on Roy Krishna. However, the experienced forward was unable to find his range, with none of his efforts troubling the goalkeeper. The visitors continued to press for the opener and came agonisingly close in the 22nd minute when Elforsy’s fierce strike rattled the crossbar.
Thrissur took the lead three minutes later. Abdul Hakku conceded a foul on the edge of the penalty area, handing the hosts a dangerous free kick. Marcus Joseph stepped up and unleashed a powerful effort that took a deflection off Nithin Madhu before rolling into the bottom-left corner, giving Thrissur Magic FC the breakthrough. The goal also marked Joseph’s first strike of the Super League Kerala 2025.
Trailing at the interval, Malappuram responded with renewed intent. Just before half-time, they created a golden chance to equalise when Abhijith PA surged down the right flank and delivered a precise low cross into the box. Fasalu Rahman arrived at the far post but failed to keep his finish down, sending the ball over the bar. Minutes later, Malappuram earned a free kick from a promising position, and Elforsy rose to the occasion, thumping in a stunning effort to restore parity heading into the break.
Marcus Joseph emerges as the saviour
Malappuram began the second half on the front foot, carrying forward their first-half momentum and putting the Thrissur defence under immediate pressure. Aitor ventured into the attacking third early on and fired a shot narrowly wide of the target. Thrissur, meanwhile, continued to cause problems in the opposition box, particularly through their aerial presence.
In the 61st minute, Malappuram threatened once more from a set piece, with Elforsy delivering another dangerous free kick. After a deflection, the ball fell kindly to Fasalu, but once again he was unable to convert. Despite sustained attacking spells from both sides, the intensity and discipline of the defensive units kept the scoreline unchanged. John Kennedy, introduced from the bench, briefly thought he had given Malappuram the lead, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
The decisive moment arrived in the 85th minute. Kevin Padilla was fouled in midfield, but while Malappuram’s players momentarily switched off, Marcus Joseph reacted quickest to win the second ball. The Trinidad and Tobago striker drove forward, skipped past the retreating defence and coolly finished to restore Thrissur Magic FC’s advantage.
Deep into stoppage time, Malappuram threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. John Kennedy came within inches in the 91st minute, his powerful header crashing against the crossbar. However, the Thrissur defence stood firm. In the final moments of the match, Marcus Joseph sealed the contest in spectacular fashion, striking a dipping long-range effort that deceived the goalkeeper and found the net.
That goal completed a memorable hat-trick for Marcus Joseph, inspiring Thrissur Magic FC to a hard-fought victory over a spirited Malappuram FC side and booking their place in the Super League Kerala 2025 final.