Kozhikode: Kannur Warriors FC have booked their place in the Super League Kerala final for the first time after edging past defending champions Calicut FC 1–0 in the semi-final. The decisive goal came in the second half from the boot of Muhammed Sinan.

The contest began at a fiery pace, with Kannur captain Lavsamba shown a yellow card as early as the sixth minute for pulling down Mohammed Asif. Calicut suffered an early setback in the 21st minute when Sachu Siby was forced off injured and replaced by Shahbaz Ahammed. Chances were limited in the first half, though Asif’s 36th-minute free-kick dipped dangerously towards the Kannur goal but went unfinished. Calicut’s Ghanaian defender Richard and Argentine defender Sosa were later booked for rough play, while Muhammad Ajsal squandered a golden opportunity in first-half injury time.

The breakthrough arrived in the 71st minute when Kannur were awarded a penalty after Asier Gomes was brought down inside the box. Sinan calmly converted, the ball brushing past the hands of Calicut goalkeeper Hajmal before nestling into the net to make it 1–0. The Under-23 player’s strike was his fourth goal of the season.

Calicut pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages but Kannur’s defence held firm to seal a historic qualification for the final.

The second semi-final will be played on Monday, 15 December, with Thrissur Magic FC taking on Malappuram FC at the Thrissur Corporation Stadium. The final is scheduled for 19 December at the Kannur Municipal Stadium.