Calicut FC continued their impressive run in the Super League Kerala (SLK), securing a place in the semifinals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Thiruvananthapuram Kombans at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium on Sunday.
Goals from Maximiliano Nicolas and Leonardo David helped the league leaders claim their fifth victory of the campaign, strengthening their position at the top of the standings.
With the win, Calicut increased their points tally to 17 after seven rounds, opening up a four-point advantage over second-placed Forca Kochi. Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans remained fourth with eight points.
The visitors made a flying start, taking the lead just three minutes into the contest. Kombans goalkeeper Satyajit Bordoloi brought down Calicut captain Prasanth inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a spot kick.
Argentine forward Maximiliano Nicolas stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to give Calicut an early advantage.
The opening goal allowed Calicut to dictate proceedings, with the visitors controlling possession and repeatedly troubling the Kombans defence through attacks from both wings.
Maximiliano and Leonardo David created several promising opportunities but failed to make the most of their chances, preventing Calicut from establishing a more comfortable lead before halftime.
At the other end, Kombans struggled to create meaningful openings. Their best opportunity of the first half fell to Joao Paredes, who missed an open goal by sending his effort over the crossbar.
Heavy rain interrupted the rhythm of the contest around the half-hour mark, making conditions difficult for both teams. However, the weather improved as the second half began.
Calicut extended their advantage in the 51st minute following an excellent attacking combination. Maximiliano exchanged passes with Leonardo before setting up his teammate, who finished the move to make it 2-0.
Trailing by two goals, Kombans attempted to regain control, with midfielder Patrick Mota working tirelessly to inspire a comeback.
Paredes had another opportunity around the hour mark but once again failed to convert, leaving the hosts with an uphill battle.
Kombans eventually found a breakthrough in the 82nd minute when substitute K. Sreeraj reduced the deficit, setting up a tense finish.
Despite the late pressure, Calicut defended their narrow advantage and collected all three points.
The result confirmed Calicut FC’s qualification for the semifinals and further underlined their credentials as one of the leading contenders for this season’s Super League Kerala title.
