Calicut FC emerged as the champions of the 2024 Super League Kerala, defeating a resilient opponent in the final to claim the prestigious title. The match, held at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Calicut, was a thrilling contest that showcased the skill, determination, and tactical superiority of the home side.
In front of a passionate home crowd, Calicut FC secured a comprehensive 3-1 victory to lift their first-ever Super League Kerala trophy. The match was a perfect culmination of a brilliant season for the team, who dominated the league from start to finish.
First Half:
Calicut FC started the match with attacking intent and dominated possession early on. Their pressing game and quick transitions caught their opponents off guard, and it didn’t take long for the home side to open the scoring. In the 18th minute, Striker Rahul K. latched onto a perfectly timed through ball from midfield, rounding the goalkeeper to slot home the opening goal. The stadium erupted in celebration as Calicut FC took a deserved 1-0 lead.
The visitors tried to respond, but Calicut’s defense, marshaled by captain Jayakrishnan, was resolute, cutting out several dangerous crosses and limiting the opposition’s opportunities. Despite some promising moves, the challengers were unable to break down the Calicut defense, and the home side doubled their advantage in the 38th minute. A corner kick from Mohammed Irfan was met by center-back Ajay G., who rose above the defenders to head the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net, giving Calicut a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.
Second Half:
The second half saw the visitors come out with more urgency, knowing they had to score to stay in the game. They pulled one back in the 55th minute, when forward Arjun P. capitalized on a defensive error, pouncing on a loose ball in the box to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The goal gave them hope and sparked a period of sustained pressure, but Calicut FC’s defense stood firm, with goalkeeper Shihan S. making two crucial saves to deny the opposition.
As the game entered its final stages, the visitors threw more bodies forward in search of an equalizer, but Calicut FC sealed the victory in the 82nd minute. Midfielder Vimal Kumar, who had been pulling the strings throughout the match, made a darting run into the box, receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Sandeep Raj, and calmly finished past the keeper to make it 3-1.
With the final whistle, the celebrations began. Calicut FC had been the dominant side throughout the season, and their 3-1 victory in the final was a fitting reward for their superb performances.
Standout Performers:
- Rahul K. was a constant threat up front, scoring the opening goal and playing a key role in the attack.
- Ajay G. was solid in defense, and his first-half header gave Calicut the cushion they needed.
- Vimal Kumar was the creative spark in midfield, earning the assist for the third goal and pulling the strings throughout the game.
- Shihan S., the goalkeeper, played a crucial role with his timely saves, especially during the second half when the game was still in the balance.
Coach’s Corner:
After the match, Calicut FC’s coach, Biby Thomas, praised his team’s discipline and resilience. “We knew the final would be tough, but we stayed true to our philosophy and played with the right intensity. The team showed great character, especially after conceding the goal. We’ve worked hard for this moment, and it’s a huge achievement for everyone involved with Calicut FC.”
With the victory, Calicut FC now not only boasts the Super League Kerala title but also secures their place in the national football landscape, as they look to build on this success in the coming seasons.
