Thrissur Magic Beat Malappuram 3-1 to Seals Final Spot

Thrissur Magic FC defeated Malappuram FC 3-1 in the Super League Kerala semifinal at the Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium on Monday to secure a place in the Super League Kerala final. Marcus Joseph scored all three goals for the hosts, delivering a decisive performance in a match shaped by set pieces and late strikes.

Thrissur took the lead in the 26th minute when Joseph converted a free-kick, placing the ball past the Malappuram goalkeeper with precision. The early goal allowed Thrissur Magic to control possession and press higher up the pitch, while Malappuram FC relied on counter-attacks and dead-ball situations to create chances.

Malappuram drew level in first-half stoppage time. Abdelhay Elforsy scored from a free-kick in the 45+1 minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to restore parity before the break. The equaliser kept the Super League Kerala semifinal balanced going into the second half, with both sides cautious in their approach.

• Thrissur Magic beat Malappuram FC 3-1 as Marcus Joseph hat-trick seals SLK final berth
• Joseph shines with free-kick brace and late strike in Super League Kerala semifinal
• Thrissur Magic to face Kannur Warriors in Super League Kerala final on December 19

After the restart, Malappuram FC struggled to build sustained attacks, missing the presence of Brazilian forward John Kennedy, who was unavailable due to fitness concerns. Thrissur Magic FC maintained defensive shape and waited for openings in the final third.

The breakthrough came in the 84th minute when Marcus Joseph struck again, finishing a move inside the box to put Thrissur back in front. As Malappuram pushed forward in search of another equaliser, gaps opened at the back. Joseph completed his hat-trick in the 90+5 minute, scoring on the counter to confirm the result.

With the win, Thrissur Magic advanced to the Super League Kerala final, where they will face Kannur Warriors on December 19 at the Jawahar Municipal Stadium in Kannur. Kannur Warriors reached the final after defeating defending champions Calicut FC 1-0 in the other Super League Kerala semifinal.

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Thrissur and Kannur will both be aiming for their first Super League Kerala title, concluding a season marked by closely contested matches and strong local support.