Kochi: The state senior football championship started at the Ernakulam Maharaja College ground, with Kasargod and Malappuram celebrating significant victories on the first day. Both teams secured their places in the quarter-finals. In the opening match, Kasargod defeated Wayanad in a penalty shootout (5-3) after coming back from a two-goal deficit in the first half. The match ended in a tie (2-2) after regular time, leading to the shootout. Malappuram triumphed over Pathanamthitta without conceding any goals, scoring a total of nine. Muhammad Mubeen scored a hat-trick, while Hashir and Nandu Krishnan also contributed goals. Rizwan Shaukkath and Janbas were the other scorers. In the match against Kasargod, Muhammad Nihal gave Wayanad an early lead in the 11th minute. A brilliant free-kick from Muhammad Ameen doubled the lead in the 42nd minute.
In the second half, Kasargod reduced the lead with a goal from a throw-in. Wayanad faced more pressure in the 66th minute when Ameen received a red card. In the 83rd minute, Abu Baker Dilshad scored from a stunning free-kick, leading Kasargod to victory in the shootout. This afternoon at 3:45 PM, Kasargod will face Kottayam in the first quarter-final. At 7:30 AM, Kollam will play against Thrissur. The winners will compete against Malappuram in the second quarter-final tomorrow evening. The championship was inaugurated at an event attended by Dennis Thomas, president of the Ernakulam District Olympic Association. P.V. Srinijan MLA, president of the District Football Association, presided over the ceremony, which also featured KFA president Nawaz Meeraan, secretary Shaji Kurian, organizing secretary P. Anilkumar, DFA secretary Viju Chulakkal, V.P. Chandran, and A.S. Naushad.