In the exciting opening match of the Super League Kerala, Malappuram FC showcased their dominance and secured a 2-0 victory over the home side Forca Kochi FC. 

The hype and buzz were palpable in the atmosphere as the inaugural edition of Super League Kerala (SLK) kicked-off at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. Matching the hype created over social media, the SLK team organised a fantastic opening ceremony which saw bollywood celebrity Jacqueline performing, captivating the passionate crowd. Shivamani and Stephen Devassy further enhanced the extravaganza.

For neutral fans, it was a treat for the eyes. The production quality was at par with the Indian Super League. Digital advertising boards and insightful pre-match and post-match analysis on TV would have impressed Indian football fans who do follow the European leagues..

Ultras Malappuram, the fans group of Malappuram FC, came in huge numbers for the match to support their team. Malappuram FC has already attracted the eye balls of football fans as their social media fan following surpassed the likes of some of the Indian Super League teams.  

All it took was 4 minutes after the kick-off to see the first ever goal of SLK. Pedro Manzi, whom Indian football  fans fondly remember for his exploits with Chennaiyin FC, etched his name in history books as the first ever scorer of SLK.The first half was completely under the control of Malappuram FC as they stitched creative passes with ease in the half of Forca Kochi.

Joseba Beitia, the Spanish minefield maestro who was instrumental in the I-league winning campaign of Mohun Bagan, effortlessly controlled the game from the midfield.He was rightfully adjudged as the man of the match of the game. Whenever the Forca Kochi team tried to penetrate the defence of Malappuram, the John Gregory’s team maintained numerical upperhand in the defence to outplay their opponents. Anas Edathodika, the veteran defender, led the backline of Malappuram and the resolute resistance broke al the attacks from the Kochi side. 

Faslu Rahman, the lad from  Malappuram, put the ball into the net at 40 minutes to complete the scoreboard. The Forca Kochi team lacked everything that was required for a football team despite having a talented squad on paper. Creativity and fitness were lacking, especially in their Indian contingent and Raphael Augusto was the sole player who was fighting for the ball. Miss passes were so much from the team in Purple that the fans developed migraine. Midhun went untested in the goal box. Mario Lemos, the gaffer of Forca Kochi FC, was left frustrated in the sidelines as the players totally let him down. 

Forca Kochi will face Kannur warriors on 13th of September at Calicut EMS Corporation Stadium. Malappuram will take on Calicut on 14th at Manjeri stadium.

Authors Opinion

The quality of the game matched with that of I-league and the broadcast quality was at par with ISL. The local players need to understand that the intensity is much more as compared to state league matches and they need to improve their fitness. The inaugural match showcased the league’s potential to become a major force in Indian football. The quality of play, the production values, and the passionate fan support were all on par with the country’s top state league. 

Match Highlights

• Malappuram FC scores early goal through Pedro Manzi in the fourth minute.
• Faslu Rahaman doubles Malappuram’s lead in the 40th minute. Pedro Manzi provided the assist.
• Raphael Augusto fought a lone battle.
• Forca Kochi players lacked fitness.