Malappuram FC blank Forca Kochi

KOCHI: A cohesive Malappuram FC came to Kochi and conquered the home team in their den as they registered a 2-0 win over Forca Kochi FC in the opening match of Super League Kerala at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, on Saturday.

Forca Kochi had an impressive array of stars in their line-up, which included Raphael Santos, Nijo Gilbert, Asif K, and Arjun Jayaraj, giving them a formidable side on paper. However, their performance on the pitch against Malappuram FC was below par. Led by the seasoned Anas Edathodika , Malappuram totally outplayed the home side, giving great joy to the fans who had travelled from Malappuram to support the district’s first professional football team. Pedro Manzi (3) and Faslurahman Methukayil (40) scored a goal each for the winners.

Forca Kochi came into the opening match after a training camp of just two weeks, while Malappuram, under ISL-winning coach John Gregory, underwent a pre-season camp of a month and a half. The difference was evident on the pitch as Malappuram totally dictated terms right from the start.

Capitalising on Forca Kochi FC's sluggishness, Malappuram needed just two minutes and 43 seconds to seize an early lead, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter. Spanish forward Pedro Manzi soared high to head home a precisely delivered cross from Malappuram's Nandu Krishna from the right wing, leaving Subhasish Chowdhary helpless in the Kochi goal.

In the 40th minute, Malappuram extended their lead through Faslurahman. Gurjinder Kumar launched a long ball into the Kochi penalty area, which Manzi headed into Faslu's path. The 29-year-old forward slid onto the ball, deftly placing it beyond the goalkeeper's reach and into the back of the net.

Despite a couple of attempts from Kerala Santosh Trophy captain Nijo Gilbert, Kochi's forwards were completely neutralised by Malappuram's resolute four-man defence. Brazilian midfielder Raphael Santos, who was once the favourite of ISL sides, was just a shadow of his former self, while Arjun Jayaraj was nowhere to be seen in the picture.

Kochi's most promising scoring opportunity arose in the first minute of added-on time in the first half. Receiving a long ball from a free-kick, Tunisian midfielder Said Mohamed Nidhal attempted a header from a challenging angle. Although his effort was successfully thwarted by Malappuram goalkeeper Midhun V, the ball remained loose, falling to defender Dziri Omran. However, the Tunisian squandered the chance as his shot sailed wide off the target.