Forca Kochi beats Thrissur Magic in first-ever league stage shootout in Super League Kerala history

As per the new rule, Kochi gets two points, and Thrissur gets one for the draw. | Photo Credit: K.K. Najeeb

Shortly before the kick-off of the first match of the Super League Kerala at the Corporation Stadium in Thrissur this season, heavy rain lashed the city. The fans braved the rain and waited patiently for some 45 minutes for the game to get underway.

Their wait for a goal proved futile, but that meant the points rule involving draws was implemented for the first time.

After the 0-0 draw, the host Thrissur Magic and Forca Kochi had to go to a penalty shootout. And it was the Kochi men who proved considerably better in the exercise, winning 4-1.

If they had been a bit more accurate with their finishing, especially in the second half, they would not even have needed the shootout. In the 79th minute, P. Diljith had a golden opportunity, off a fine cross from the other flank by Rahul Raju, but from close in, he managed to put the ball wide.

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The Thrissur men had done better in the opening half, winning a series of corners within the first five minutes. They, however, suffered a major setback when they were reduced to 10 men in the 22nd minute, when Bladimir Angulo Castro was sent off.

They continued to fight hard in the second half and managed to take the game to the shootout. They had to be content with just one point though, as they messed up with their kicks. Kochi was on target right through.

As per the new rule, Kochi gets two points, and Thrissur one.