Thrissur Magic FC lock Thiruvananthapuram Kombans in stalemate in Super League Kerala

Both teams settled for a draw for the first time in Super League Kerala.

Thrissur Magic FC and Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC shared the spoils at the Corporation Stadium, Thrissur, on the first matchday of the Round 8 fixtures in Super League Kerala 2025. The intense affair on Friday ended with a 1-1 score line.

Kombans started brightly against Thrissur, scoring in the 5th minute off Paulo Victor, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to break the deadlock. Almost ten minutes later, after desperate attempts from Thrissur to find their equaliser, Faisal Ali finally brought the scores back on level terms. The hosts combined well in the final third, and a brilliant link-up play between Ivan Markovic, Kevin and Faisal saw Thrissur find the back of the net.

Paulo Strikes Early, Faisal Levels

The Kombans started with fervour as they had the better of the hosts to break the deadlock off Paulo Victor in the 5th minute. The Thrissur defender Jiyan, in an attempt to clear the ball, made a heavy touch, which Paulo effectively intercepted. The striker then went on to exploit the space vacated by the Thrissur backline to score the opener of the match and provide Kombans with a boost.

The early goal from the visiting side triggered Thrissur, and they started to attack with purpose, to find the equaliser. This paid dividends for the hosts as it took them just ten minutes to bring the scores back on level terms.

Afsal provided a through ball to Ivan Markovic inside the 18-yard box, who then passed the ball to Kevin Javier. Kevin, after faking a shot, provided a pass to Faisal Ali, and he unleashed the ball to the back of the net, leaving all the Kombans’ defenders in turmoil.

Since then, both teams attempted to craft further attacks and score further, but failed. The best chance of the half came in the stoppage time when Ivan Markovic received a decent cross from the right from Faisal. However, to the disappointment of Ivan, Shinu somehow managed to make contact with the ball and prevent the striker from scoring their second goal. At the stroke of half-time, it was all square at the Corporation Stadium.

Also Read: Super League Kerala 2025: Kannur Warriors FC vs Forca Kochi FC Preview, team news, lineups & prediction

Resilient Thrissur trap the Kombans

In the second half, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans looked hungrier for a win, initiating a good number of attacks, but could not change the scoreline. Thrissur, on the other hand, comfortable at the top of the table, were happy to leave the pitch with a point and displayed a rather defensive approach. The hosts brought in defenders instead of the wingers and created a compact backline, which the Kombans struggled to penetrate.

In the dying minutes of the match, Mailson found himself in a 1v1 situation with the keeper, and he took a shot that unfortunately hit the crossbar. The 96th minute saw Ronald taking a powerful shot at goal, which was denied by the Thrissur keeper Kamaludheen.

With this draw, Thrissur Magic FC are at par with Calicut FC with 14 points. However, a superior positive goal difference of six keeps the latter in the top position. The Kombans, with one extra point in the bag, have climbed a spot higher. They currently sit in the third position with 11 points in hand.

With two matches remaining, if both teams can get positive results from their upcoming matches, they can secure their berth in the semi-finals.

Round 9 Fixtures in Super League Kerala for Thrissur Magic FC and Thiruvananthapuram Kombans

Thrissur Magic FC will next face Forca Kochi FC on November 27th in the Round 9 fixtures of the Super League Kerala at the Corporation Stadium. Thiruvananthapuram Kombans, on the other hand, will lock horns with Malappuram FC at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, Trivandrum, on the 30th of November after a long gap.

Fans all across India can watch the Super League Kerala matches on the Sony Sports Network and the Sports.com website from 7:30 pm onwards.

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