Super League Kerala 2026: Malabar derby between Calicut and Malapuram ends in draw

Daniel Lalhlimpuia (on the ground) scoring for Malappuram FC against Calicut FC in the Super League Kerala at Kozhikode. | Photo Credit: K. RAGESH

It was a full house, but it wasn’t just the home side Calicut FC that received the loud support from the fans inside the Corporation Stadium on a warm Friday night. Thousands must have driven down from the neighbouring Malappuram district for this Malabar derby at the Super League Kerala.

And it was an exciting match, too. It ended in a 1-1 draw, with both goals coming in the last 25 minutes. Since this edition of the league doesn’t allow draws, a penalty shootout followed. Just as was the case in the last match at Thrissur, between Thrissur Magic and Forca Kochi a day ago.

In a match that saw plenty of end-to-end football, both Calicut and Malappuram created chances, but no goal came for much of the match. Late into the opening half, the visiting side could have gone ahead, but a fine piece of goalkeeping by K. Mirshad denied Abdelhay Elforsy.

Thousands fans hold up flags at the Corporation Stadium for the Malabar derby. | Photo Credit: K. Ragesh

It was Malappuram that drew first blood, with Daniel Lalhlimpuia finishing off an excellent cross into the box by Bibin Ajayan, who found Mashoor Shereef. The substitute headed it down to set up Lalhlimpuia, who put the ball neatly in.

Just 14 minutes later, however, Leo David made it 1-1 for Calicut. He slotted home a superb pass from Boasso Fleury.

That paved the way for the shootout, in which Calicut won 4-3, keeping its unbeaten record against Malappuram intact. The stadium erupted when Lalnuntluanga firmy kicked in the last penalty.

The result

Calicut FC 1 (Leo David 79) drew with Malappuram FC 1 (Daniel Lalhlimpuia 65). Calicut won 4-3 on penalties.