Thiruvananthapuram Kombans kicked off their home campaign with a resounding 2-0 victory over Thrissur Magic FC at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium on Monday.
The Kombans, playing in front of a boisterous home crowd, capitalized on set-piece opportunities to secure all three points in a scrappy encounter. T.M. Vishnu (15′) and Lalhmangaihsanga (69′) were the goal-scorers for the hosts.
Thrissur Magic failed to conjure any magic in the first half as Kombans dominated possession and created more chances. The hosts earned three corners in the opening quarter, and the opening goal came from the third. Captain Patrick Mota whipped in a dangerous cross, and Vishnu rushed in to head the ball past goalkeeper Sanjiban Ghosh’s near post.
Thrissur had its first glimpse of the Kombans goal in the 22nd minute when it was awarded a freekick on the edge of the box. Marcelo Toscano’s kick rebounded off the wall, and the striker retrieved the loose ball and passed it to Vineeth, who shot wide from close range.
Thrissur showed more cohesion towards the end of the first half and had a chance to equalize. Vineeth arrowed in a cross from the left, but Abhijith Sarkar failed to connect.
The visitors shed their timidity in the second half and strung together a few threatening moves down the flanks, but the Kombans defense held firm.
Kombans increased their lead against the run of play through another freekick. Mota whipped in the cross, Marcos Santos flicked it on to an unmarked Lalhmangaihsanga, who made no mistake.
The result leaves Thiruvananthapuram Kombans with three points from their opening match, while Thrissur Magic FC remains pointless after two games.
