Kannur Warriors have climbed to the top of the Super League Kerala points table with a 2-1 win over Malappuram FC at Manjeri on Wednesday.
The Warriors went 2-0 up inside 30 minutes, with two Spaniards, Asier Gomes and Adrian Sardinero Corpa, scoring.
Malappuram reduced the deficit before half-time through local favourite Faslurahman.
However, the hosts were denied an equaliser in the 65th minute when Barboza Junior's strike was flagged offside by referee Suresh Devaraj. From television replays, it appeared the goal was valid. Kannur managed to hold on to the narrow lead despite sustained pressure from the home side.
The Warriors have eight points from four matches and lead second-placed Calicut by 2 points. Malappuram are fourth in the table on four points.
Result: Kannur Warriors 2 (Sardinero Corpa 13, Asier Gomes 30) bt Malappuram FC 1 (Faslurahman 40)