At the Maharaja’s College Stadium, a venue steeped in Kerala football history, Forca Kochi FC returned home but still couldn’t reverse their fortunes. The same ground that witnessed Kerala’s first-ever Santosh Trophy triumph in 1973–74 became the stage for another night remembered for very different reasons. Kannur Warriors FC extended their impressive away record with a 0-1 victory.

Coach Miquel Plana, battling an injury crisis, made six changes to the Forca lineup. The reshuffled side lacked fluency, and from the opening whistle, Kannur looked far more composed. Soosai Raj found a space in the starting XI of the Forca side. The Warriors pressed high and made continuous inroads into the Kochi box through Shijin and Karim Samb, while their midfield dictated tempo. By the 50th minute, Kannur had already earned eight corners, though none found the net.

After the drinks break near the half-hour mark, both teams briefly lifted their intensity. Yet, for all the effort, the game lacked cohesion. It was a scrappy, tactical battle more than a spectacle of skill.

Forca goalkeeper Rafique Ali Sardar was the busiest man on the field, denying Kannur repeatedly. The most anxious moment came in the 65th minute when Shijin’s header fell invitingly to Nicolas, who failed to finish from close range, allowing Rafique to recover and smother the ball.

What never dipped, however, was the energy in the stands. The Maharaja’s crowd was electric throughout with drums beats, chants, and impromptu dances filled the air. The Forca faithful turned the historic venue into a carnival, creating an atmosphere worthy of the league’s biggest fixtures, even as the home side struggled on the pitch.

The deadlock finally broke in the 84th minute, fittingly through a moment of defensive lapse. A cross was deflected off by a Kochi defender and landed perfectly for Sardinero. The Kochi backline froze, failing to clear their lines. Sardinero made no mistake, coolly slotting it past Rafique to hand Kannur a deserved lead. It wasn’t a goal of brilliance, but one of alertness and persistence.

Despite a late push from Kochi, Kannur’s defence held firm. The final whistle confirmed another frustrating night for the home side.

The result underlined two contrasting stories. Kannur Warriors remain unbeaten in away games since last season, collecting seven points from three away matches this term. They’ve built a reputation as formidable travellers. Forca Kochi, meanwhile, have lost all three games and failed to score in their last two.