Forca Kochi Vs Calicut Fc: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | 02/10/2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Stadium | EMS Stadium, Kozhikode |
| Competition | Super League Kerala (SLK) - Round 1 |
🏟️ Derby Delight: Calicut FC Host Kochi in SLK Season Opener
**Calicut FC** kicks off the new season of the Super League Kerala (SLK) by hosting fierce rivals **Forca Kochi FC** at the EMS Stadium in Kozhikode. This fixture is a highly anticipated rematch of the inaugural SLK final, which Calicut won 2-1 in front of a packed home crowd.
Both teams, having finished first and second in the league phase last season, are expected to be frontrunners once again. The home support in Kozhikode is immense, with the EMS Stadium having hosted over 35,000 fans for the previous final between these two sides, making this opening derby a fiery start to the competition.
- Event: Super League Kerala (SLK) - Opening Match, Round 1
- Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: EMS Stadium, Kozhikode
- Context: A high-stakes opening match and a rematch of the dramatic 2024 SLK Final.
⚔️ Team Analysis & Form (Head-to-Head Focus)
Calicut FC (The Beacons)
Calicut FC enters the season as the defending champions, having lifted the trophy in 2024 after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Kochi. Their strength lies in their consistency and tactical discipline, losing only one league game last season. Led by figures like former Kerala Blasters fan-favourite Kervens Belfort (who scored the winner in the final) and experienced midfielder Thoi Singh, Calicut is known for its high press and precise passing, thriving on their fervent home support.
Forca Kochi FC
Forca Kochi, under coach Mario Lemos, were finalists in the inaugural season and a formidable force throughout, especially in the run-up to the playoffs. They are a possession-focused side, known for their attacking impetus. Their key striker, **Dorielton**, the league's Golden Boot winner last season, will be central to their efforts to overturn their previous final defeat. Kochi will be eager to prove a point and start the new campaign by defeating their championship rivals on their home turf.
⭐ Key Players
- Calicut FC: Kervens Belfort (Forward) - The Haitian striker was instrumental in their title win, scoring a crucial goal and assisting another in the final. His physicality and skill in the box make him the primary goal threat.
- Calicut FC: Thoi Singh (Midfielder) - An experienced and energetic midfielder who opened the scoring in the final. His engine room presence is vital to Calicut's high-intensity system.
- Forca Kochi FC: Dorielton (Striker) - The Golden Boot winner is Kochi's main man in attack. His late goal in the final showed his persistence and ability to find the back of the net when it matters most.
- Forca Kochi FC: Key Midfielders - Kochi's ability to dominate possession will rely on their creative midfielders, such as Raphael Augusto (who led the push to reduce the deficit in the final), to pull the strings and unlock the Calicut defense.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- **Home Advantage vs. Motivation:** Calicut thrives on the massive support at EMS Stadium, which fuels their intense start to games. Kochi’s primary battle will be absorbing the initial pressure and using their motivation for revenge to gain a foothold.
- **Belfort vs. Kochi's Defense:** Calicut's early success often comes from service to Belfort. Kochi's defensive line must be alert to his movement and the delivery from Calicut's wings to avoid conceding early, as they did in the final.
- **Midfield Control:** Both teams have strong central units. The team that wins the midfield battle—Calicut through aggression and high press, or Kochi through patient possession—will dictate the flow of this opening match.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
This match is a repeat of the fiercest rivalry in the young Super League Kerala. While Forca Kochi will look to leverage their possession-based game, Calicut's home advantage, defensive organisation, and the form of their key attackers like Belfort make them a slight favorite to win this opener. Expect an intense, high-energy match with goals from both sides, staying true to their history.
Predicted Score: Calicut FC 2-1 Forca Kochi FC
Get ready for a Super League Kerala classic to kick off the new season!
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