Malappuram FC edge past Thrissur Magic FC 1-0 to kick off Super League Kerala season with a win

Roy Krishna scored the only goal of the match in the 72nd minute

Malappuram FC emerged victorious against Thrissur Magic FC 1-0 under the electrifying atmosphere of their fortress, Payyanad Stadium, Manjeri, in the second match of the first round fixtures of the Super League Kerala, Season 2.

The first half remained relatively silent as the defensive unit of both Malappuram and Thrissur stood rock solid and prevented their opponents from breaching the net.

However, in the second half, a 72nd-minute penalty goal from Roy Krishna gave the Dynamos a much-needed win at home in their opener, as a redemption arc after a disappointing first season.

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A Goalless First-Half

The first half began with a blazing tempo, as both Malappuram and Thrissur initiated some pacey movements with the ball. Both teams aimed at keeping possession and demonstrated some precise ball control, coupled with well-coordinated attacks during multiple instances. However, as the clock kept ticking, the tempo of the game gradually decreased, and the game was more or less focused in the midfield.

Thrissur Magic FC was seen in the driver’s seat for the match as they were actively crafting their offensive initiatives with the services of Bibin Ajayan, Lenny Rodrigues and Marcus Joseph. However, to their dismay, the Malappuram FC backline, guarded by the experienced Kerala Police keeper Azhar, stood firm and impenetrable.

On the other side of the ground, Roy Krishna was also not having his best time in the attacking third as he came so close to scoring on two occasions, but unfortunately for him, it felt like he was missing his scoring boot somewhere in the initial half. Thrissur’s defence, led by the ISL Champion Mailson Alves, looked decent, and even though they made some defensive errors, Malappuram’s inability to attempt a shot on target meant that Thrissur was not put into much headache.

Also Read: Super League Kerala 2025: Full fixtures, teams, venues & where to watch

John Kennedy effect in the second half

The second half began with Malappuram displaying a much better intent and vigour as they were seen consistently pressing and attacking from both wings.

However, yet again, Mailson Alves, with his presence of mind and physical dominance, kept quality in the defence and intercepted almost every attack made by the hosts. Everything looked good for Malappuram until it came to the final third, where they lacked finishing and disappointed.

Around 20 minutes after the break, both teams made a few substitutions, and this changed the script of the game. John Kennedy, the Brazilian player, came in for Malappuram FC and from his very first involvement, he took some stunning shots from tight angles to challenge the visitors and pile pressure upon them.

The fresh leg re-initiated the attacks, and this helped the hosts to win multiple corner kicks and throw-ins. One such corner kick created confusion in the Thrissur 18-yard box, and the substitute Senthamil conceded a penalty, which was easily converted by Roy Krishna with a powerful bottom corner shot in the seventy-second minute.

𝗥𝗼𝘆-al Krishna 👑#SuperLeagueKerala #SLK #SuperCrazy pic.twitter.com/Ow8AQsqxEI

— Super League Kerala (@slk_kerala) October 3, 2025

From then on, the Thrissur Magic FC defence was shattered, and this was punished by Kennedy with his quick dribbles and brilliant on-the-ball movements.

Kennedy was seen everywhere on the pitch and covered almost every blade of the pitch. The player positioned himself in the defence to help his team defensively, won duels in the wings and displayed an all-round performance to paralyse Thrissur for the remainder of the match, and helped Malappuram clinch the victory 1-0.

Round 2 fixtures for Malappuram and Thrissur

Malappuram’s next challenge would be against Kannur at home on the 12th of October, and Thrissur will next face Calicut at the EMS Corporation Stadium on the 11th of October for the round two fixtures.

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