Rahul Raju’s stoppage-time strike gives Forca Kochi 1-0 win over Malappuram FC

Forca Kochi defeated Malappuram FC 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on 27 September 2026 in the final fixture of matchweek one of Super League Kerala 2026. Substitute Rahul Raju scored in the 90+3rd minute after Malappuram goalkeeper Devansh Dabas fumbled a long-range effort, a result that moved Forca Kochi to second in the group table while Malappuram sit fourth.

The match opened on an attacking note with both sides probing for early superiority, but most attempts failed to seriously test either defence. Forca Kochi created chances through midfield possession and entries into the final third but were repeatedly disrupted by Malappuram’s high press. Malappuram’s defensive unit, marshalled by Abdul Samad, used pace and physicality to keep Forca Kochi subdued. Both teams also struggled with the tempo of the pitch and frequently surrendered possession cheaply.

Late in the first half, Sajeesh produced a right-sided cutback in the 42nd minute that was cleared by a Forca Kochi defender; Elforsy won the second ball and smashed a shot high, the first time Malappuram really troubled the hosts. The first 45 minutes ended goalless, with neither side able to convert openings into a lead.

Early in the second period Alan Saji met a searching cross with a header that struck the side netting, denying Forca Kochi an opener that appeared imminent. Malappuram continued to deliver accurate set pieces, principally from Elforsy, but they were unable to connect those deliveries into a decisive finish in the final third.

In the 82nd minute Rahul Raju, who had come off the bench, laid a slick backheel into the path of Diego Hernandez Jiminez, who faced the goalkeeper in a one-on-one but skied his effort over the crossbar. At the 90th minute Raju took a long-range attempt that Arbaz was able to hold securely. With penalties in mind, Malappuram then substituted Arbaz and brought on Devansh Dabas.

Three minutes into stoppage time Raju tried another long-range effort which Devansh Dabas fumbled into the net, and shortly afterwards Elforsy produced a late strike that was denied by a save from Jaimy Joy. When the final whistle blew Forca Kochi had claimed a 1-0 victory in the last game of matchweek one.

The result concluded matchweek one of Super League Kerala 2026 and left Forca Kochi placed second in the group table while Malappuram FC occupy fourth.