Muthoot Football Academy were crowned champions of Kerala Premier League at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode on Sunday.

In a thrilling final, Muthoot defeated Kerala Police 2-1 to clinch their maiden title. For the cops, it was second-time unlucky in the KPL title match, after finishing runner-up to SBT in 2014-15.

Muthoot went ahead shortly before half-time when Devadath S pounced on a defender's mistake while trying to build from the back. The forward sprinted into the box before applying a smart finish.

The police team bounced back in style within 10 minutes of the restart. Substitute Salmanul Faris's left-footed shot fell kindly in front of Sujil, who calmly turned it in to draw parity.

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Muthoot retook the lead in the 65th minute. Arjun M M did brilliant work on the left flank before swinging a tempting cross toward the far post, where a pair of attackers had arrived.

Abith K B made an acrobatic attempt that goalkeeper Azhar saved, or at least it seemed like in real-time. Muhammed Nisham pounced on the loose ball to make it a goal. But the referees were convinced the Abith's shot had crossed the goalline, so he was credited with the winner.

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