Malappuram FC produced a stunning performance in front of their home supporters, defeating Thrissur Magic FC 4-0 despite playing with 10 men for much of the second half in the White Gold Super League Kerala Season 3 at the Manjeri Payyanad Stadium on Saturday.
Under-23 midfielder C.K. Rashid starred with a second-half brace, while Muhammed Mahdi and Amadou Soukouna also found the net to hand Malappuram their first victory of the campaign. The hosts scored all four goals after Ghanaian defender Abdul Samed was sent off in the 47th minute following his second yellow card.
Malappuram started aggressively in their first home fixture of the season, frequently attacking down the right flank. However, Thrissur’s organised defence kept the hosts at bay during the opening exchanges.
The contest took a dramatic turn shortly after the restart when Samed received his marching orders. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Malappuram responded with renewed determination and eventually took control of the match.
Moroccan midfielder Abdelhay Elforsy played a crucial role in the turnaround, creating opportunities with his attacking movement and delivery from the flanks.
Rashid broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, capitalising on a goalmouth scramble following an Elforsy corner. The young midfielder struck again six minutes later, finishing a cross from the Moroccan to double Malappuram’s advantage.
The hosts continued to press forward, and Muhammed Mahdi made it 3-0 in the 74th minute. He collected a pass from Muhammed Bilal before finding the net after entering the penalty area.
French forward Amadou Soukouna completed the emphatic victory deep into stoppage time, scoring in the 90+7th minute to seal a memorable night for the home side.
Malappuram goalkeeper Mohammed Arbaz also played an important role, producing several impressive saves, particularly during the final quarter, to deny Thrissur any chance of mounting a comeback. The result lifted Malappuram to fourth place with five points, while Thrissur Magic FC remained at the bottom of the standings with just one point.