Kennedy's double fires Malappuram past Kochi in Super League Kerala

Malappuram FC handed a crushing 4–1 defeat to last season's runner-up Kochi FC in the Super League Kerala match held at the Maharaja's Stadium in Ernakulam on Tuesday. Brazilian John Kennedy starred for Malappuram, scoring twice to lead his team to a commanding victory.

Playing their first away fixture, Malappuram players never felt away from home as a large travelling crowd cheered them on at every move. With Roy Krishna, John Kennedy, and Badr Boulhroude combining seamlessly, the visitors produced a display of fluent attacking football.

Malappuram’s first goal came from the penalty spot in the 38th minute after Roy Krishna was brought down by Kochi goalkeeper Rafique inside the box. The Fijian striker, one of the Indian Super League’s all-time leading scorers, made no mistake in converting from the spot.

John Kennedy then struck twice — first shaking off three defenders to find the roof of the net from the edge of the box, and later capitalising on a defensive lapse to pounce on a back pass and beat substitute goalkeeper Murshid, who had replaced Rafique in the second half. 

Following Malappuram's 3-0 lead, midfielder Gifty Gracious was sent off after seeing the second yellow card. Kochi appeared to find more fire after being reduced to 10 men, with E Sajeesh, last season’s top scorer in the Kerala Premier League, pulling one back for the home side in the 65th minute.

Substitute Abdul Hakku added a fourth goal in stoppage time to seal the win for Malappuram.

With the win, Malappuram move to the top spot in the points table with 9 points. Meanwhile, Kochi, winless in the tournament so far, remains in the last position.