Thrissur Magic FC picked up their first win of the Super League Kerala 2025 season with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Calicut FC at the EMS Corporation Stadium. A 36th-minute header from veteran defender Mailson Alves proved to be the difference in an intense, emotionally charged contest. This maintains a perfect record for Thrissur Magic against Calicut FC. The Kozhikode side is yet to win a game against the Thrissur side.
Both sides featured plenty of Indian football experience among their foreign stars. For Thrissur Magic, Mailson Alves was making his 77th appearance and Marcus Joseph his 91st on Indian soil. At the same time, Calicut FC fielded Richard Osei, who has prior I-League experience with Real Kashmir FC. Calicut started brightly, dominating possession through Prasanth’s relentless wing play. Cross after cross was sent into the box, but none found the target. Despite their early control, a defensive lapse cost them dearly. Asif failed to clear a loose ball, gifting Thrissur a corner. From that very set piece, Mailson rose above everyone to nod home, giving the visitors a lead against the run of play.
Thrissur nearly doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Francis Addo’s bicycle kick was acrobatically saved by Hajmal. Just before halftime, Navin Krishna fired a half-volley inches wide after being left unmarked by Asif.
Calicut came out all guns blazing in the second half. Aniket Jadhav’s introduction added width, and the home crowd roared them on. They were denied a clear penalty in the 51st minute when Bibin appeared to handle Prasanth’s cross, but the referee waved play on. Thrissur’s defence, marshalled superbly by Mailson and Bibin, stood firm against continuous pressure.
As the game wore on, Calicut pushed higher up the pitch, leaving themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks. Thrissur exploited the gaps smartly, especially through Afsal, who came on late and almost set up Addo for a second in stoppage time, only for the Ghanaian to miss a simple tap-in.
Defender Richard Osei was outstanding for Calicut, cutting off numerous threats and preventing what could have been a heavier defeat. But despite their persistence, the hosts couldn’t find a way past Thrissur’s disciplined backline.
Key Moments
- 22’ – Prasanth’s crosses repeatedly drift beyond the far post.
- 36’ – Mailson heads home from a corner; Thrissur lead 1–0.
- 38’ – Addo’s bicycle kick brilliantly saved by Hajmal.
- 51’ – Penalty appeal for handball against Bibin turned down.
- 90+5’ – Afsal’s run sets up Addo, who misses a golden chance.
Calicut FC – Starting XI
Hajmal (GK), Pereyra, Rincon, Boasso Fleury, Riyas PT, Richard, Prasanth, M. Arshaf, Manoj M, Asif, Jaganath
Substitutes:
Sosa, Aniket, Salim, Aman Sahni, Arun, M. Ajsal, Sachu, Roshal
Thrissur Magic FC – Starting XI
Kamal (GK), F. Addo, M. Joseph, Ivan, Jiyad, Tejas, Rodrigues, Bibin, Mailson, Faiaz, Naveen
Substitutes:
I. Hok, Uzelac, Savio, Faisal, Jidhu, Afsal, Shankar, J. Devassy, Kattimani
