Kozhikode

In the opening game of the third round of the Super League Kerala 2024, Calicut FC and Forca Kochi FC battled to a 1-1 draw at EMS Corporation Stadium.

Forca Kochi FC began the match aggressively, aiming to secure a crucial win for a comeback in the league. Their head coach, Mario Lemos, employed a strategy that put Calicut FC under early pressure. Kochi dominated the early stages with effective pressing and ball control, leaving Calicut struggling to break their rhythm.

Calicut FC managed to seize a chance in the 42nd minute when Gani Ahmed’s shot deflected off a Kochi defender, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the back of the net. This stroke of luck gave Calicut a 1-0 lead heading into halftime, much to the delight of their supporters.

In the second half, Lemos made key substitutions, bringing on South African forward Siyanda and midfielder Kamalpreet Singh to energize his team. Their impact was immediate, with Kochi’s attack growing more intense and frequently challenging Calicut’s defense.

Kochi’s efforts were rewarded in the 75th minute when Siyanda scored a well-placed equalizer. For his influential performance, Ngubo Siyanda was named Player of the Match.