Calicut overcome spirited Malappuram, become first team to enter Super League Kerala semis

Defending champions Calicut FC became the first team to enter the semifinals of the second season of Super League Kerala with a 3-1 win against 10-man Malappuram FC at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode on Monday.

With their fifth win of the campaign, Calicut have 17 points from eight matches, enough to confirm a spot in the last-four. Malappuram are fourth on 10 points, ahead of fifth-placed Kannur Warriors only by goal difference.

Calicut found two late goals to win the match, with Muhammed Ajsal scoring in the 88th minute and Federico Boasso adding a third on 90+2.

Jonathan Pereyra had put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute, and Malappuram were reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute when Gani Ahmmed received a second yellow.

Malappuram came alive in the final quarter, with Aitor Aldalur getting the equaliser with a powerful freekick. But the hosts prevailed in the dying moments.

Result: Calicut 3 (Jonathan Pereyra 12, Muhammed Ajsal 88, Federico Boasso 90+2) bt Malappuram 1 (Aitor Aldalur 80)