Super League Kerala: Late own goal helps Calicut FC edge Thrissur Magic

This was Calicut FC’ second win of the ongoing Super League Kerala season. | Photo Credit: K.K. Najeeb

Emil Benny’s fastest strike in Super League Kerala (SLK) history and an own goal by Thrissur Magic FC’s Abdul Samad in the added time gave Calicut FC a 2-1 win over the host in a third-round match at the Corporation Stadium in Thrissur on Saturday.

The home side did well to recover from Emil’s goal 48 seconds into the match, with substitute Silajit Santra slotting in the equaliser in the 61st minute. However, Abdul’s error gave Calicut its second win.

Calicut also moved to the top of the table with eight points. Thrissur’s wretched start continued as it slumped to its third straight defeat.

Emil, who came in for the injured Prasanth, made an immediate impact as he scored with a fine right-footer after the ball was lifted into his path by Federico Boasso.

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The early goal upset Thrissur’s plans and it was only towards the end of the first half did the home team show signs of aggression.

Calicut dominated possession in the early part of the half, but it was profligate with Maximilino Nicholas and Emil, wasting good chances to double the advantage.

Thrissur played with intent in the second half and equalised through Silajit, who slammed in the rebound which came his way after Calicut goalkeeper K. Mishad parried away a stiff right-footer from Sergio Gil.

Calicut regained its dominance after a brief slump, and Calwin Thomas had a goal disallowed for offside. Just when it appeared the match would go into penalties, Calicut’s winner came. Abdul’s desperate lunge to cut out a cross from substitute K.R. Ajith saw the ball enter the net.