Afsal's stoppage-time goal seals win for Thrissur Magic against Forca Kochi in Super League Kerala

Kochi: Mohammed Afsal, who came on as a substitute in the second half, produced a late winner to seal the match for Thrissur Magic against Forca Kochi in the Super League Kerala at the Maharaja's Stadium on Friday.

Afsal scored the decisive goal in the first minute of the added time of the second half. The move began on the left flank, and Afsal timed his run perfectly before unleashing a sharp left-footed strike. Kochi's young goalkeeper, Muhammed Murshid, made a fine dive, but the ball deflected off his hand and found the net.

The victory lifted Thrissur Magic to the top of the points table with nine points from four matches, while Kochi, last year’s runner-up, remained at the bottom after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat.

Kochi started brightly, creating a few early chances in search of their first points of the season. However, the side lost its Spanish midfielder Ramon Riego around the 10th minute, which disrupted their rhythm for the rest of the first half.

Thrissur gradually took control, testing Murshid with several long-range efforts, but the young keeper held firm. Just as the match seemed headed for a draw, Afsal broke the deadlock, securing Thrissur’s third straight victory.