Forca Kochi FC staged a remarkable comeback to salvage a 1-1 draw against high-flying Calicut FC in the Mahindra Super League Kerala at the EMS Corporation Stadium on Wednesday night.
Calicut, playing at home in front of a boisterous crowd, began as the favorite after its impressive away victory over Malappuram FC. Despite Kochi’s promising start, Calicut took the lead through its local forward Gani Nigam, who had scored twice against Malappuram, just before halftime.
Kochi’s goal came as a surprise to Calicut. Jijo Joseph skillfully evaded several defenders and sent a precise pass to Nigam. The Calicut forward, despite being closely marked, calmly lifted the ball over Kochi goalkeeper S. Hajmal, who could only watch helplessly as it sailed into the net.
The home side nearly extended its lead early in the second half, but Richard Osei’s dangerous header from a corner was expertly saved by Hajmal.
Kochi emerged from the break with renewed vigor, and within 10 minutes, the Calicut goal came under intense pressure. However, goalkeeper Vishal Joon thwarted three consecutive attempts by the visiting players.
The equalizer finally arrived in the 75th minute when South African Ngubo Siyanda headed in a long cross from the right by Kamalpreet Singh.
The result leaves Calicut with five points from three matches, while winless Kochi has two points.
