Last-Gasp Drama: Thrissur Magic and Calicut Play Out Thrilling Draw with Two Late Goals

Kozhikode: Thrissur Magic managed to regain the lead after giving up the lead till the last minute in a thriller that seemed to have seen its match days. Muhammad Riaz and Brito’s goals were scored by those who were ahead until the end and they reached two goals in a row and came back with a draw at home.

The start and end of the game was on the hosts’ feet with quick moves in the first minutes of the game. In the 11th minute, the foul kick received by Thrissur Magic was captured by Thrissur player Y. Danny while he was trying to put the foul kick into the hands of Calicut goalkeeper Vishal June. Thrissur CK captain Vineeth hit the net but the referee called it dirty. Meanwhile, both teams were seen playing a tough game. Thrissur midfielder Adil received a yellow card in the 21st minute. Then for seven minutes of the game Thrissur did not cross the center line and Calicut FC flew around the goal with corners and throws.

The Calicut fans watched with beating hearts as the Thrissur players rushed with the ball. Calicut also opened up chances in the opposite goal thanks to the fans cheering and waving flags in the galleries and playing music to the accompaniment of the Nasik Dhol and Molam band. Both teams filled the field with the ball to shake the net, but there was no goal in the first half. In the 45th minute, Calicut player Gani Muhammad dribbled a pass extended by captain Jijo Joseph and went off the side of the bar.

After a goalless first half, Calicut took the lead in the 49th minute. Substitute Brito beat two men and fired into the goal post. After scoring the goal, Calicut became more aggressive. Mohammad Riaz came with lively movements on the right wing and often smelled the goal. Some golden opportunities have been wasted and others have turned into misfortune.

Meanwhile, the second goal was scored in the 81st minute in a beautiful move. Brito jumped up and headed the post from a cross from a player running down the right wing. Immediately after that, Kozhikode secured a goal but the Thrissur goalkeeper came to the rescue with a brilliant save. A goal was returned with minutes left in the game. The goalkeeper blocked the free kick received in the mouth of the Kozhikode goal, but the Thrissur player hit the net on the rebound. Thrissur’s goal was scored in the seconds before the final whistle.