Thrissur Magic lived up to their name with two goals in added time to hold Calicut FC 2-2 in Super League Kerala at EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode on Tuesday.
League leaders Calicut were on course to their second win in the league after substitute Britto P M made it 2-0 in the 81st minute. But Magic coach Giovanni Scanu took off their skipper C K Vineeth for Brazilian striker Uelber Silva Gomes, who made it 1-2 in the 91st minute.
A resilient Magic pushed forward in the dying moments and were rewarded a corner on 90+7. Goalkeeper Vishal Joon, who had gifted Gomes a goal a few minutes ago, effected a brilliant save to thwart an attempt from another Brazilian, Lucas Eduardo Silva. But as the Magic defence failed to clear their lines, an alert Silva came charging in to score with a powerful header from point-blank.
The Magic had scored only one goal in more than 360 minutes, but they netted twice in a matter of few minutes to turn a defeat into a draw.
Earlier, Britto, who came on as a half-time substitute, scored with a header. He had also created Calicut's opener by deftly navigating three defenders inside the box and forcing a save from Jaimy Joy. But Muhammed Riyas was ready to turn in the rebound.
Calicut remain on top of the points table with 6 points from 4 matches while Magic stay bottom on 2 points. Malappuram FC will take on Kannur Warriors on Wednesday.
