Calicut FC emerged the champions of the inaugural edition of Super League Kerala on their home turf, EMS Corporation Stadium, in Kozhikode, on Sunday.
In a thrilling final attended by more than 35,000 fans, Calicut defeated Forca Kochi 2-1. Thoi Singh opened the scoring in the 15th minute and Kervens Belfort ensured the win with a goal in the 71st minute.
Thoi, a former Bengaluru FC midfielder, was assisted by Belfort, who famouly wore the Kerala Blasters yellow jersey. It was Haitian Belfort, who came up with yet another brilliant moment for the hosts when he smashed a second on the volley.
Dorielton pulled one back in added time (90+3) to make it a tense affair. Calicut goalkeeper Vishal Joon, terrific throughout the final, cut a sorry figure when the Brazilian striker's scuffed shot went past him at the near post.
Calicut head coach Andrew Gillan reinforced his backline in the dying moments. Despite Kochi's best efforts to find a late equaliser, the hosts thwarted them.
Calicut had been the most consistent side in the league phase, and they maintained their form throughout the playoffs and in the final when it mattered the most. Calicut lost just one of their ten league games, which was a 1-0 in the closing stages to Thrissur Magic.
Mario Lemos' Kochi were equally brilliant, especially in the run-up to the playoffs. They dominated the final in terms of possession, but it was Calicut's brilliant game management that stood out.
