A flawless performance from the spot helped Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC knock defending champions Kannur Warriors FC out in dramatic fashion in the White Gold Super League at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium on Sunday.

Thiruvananthapuram prevailed 3-0 in the penalty shootout after the second-round clash ended 1-1 in regulation time. While the Kombans converted their opportunities with composure, Kannur endured a disastrous shootout as all three of their attempts failed to find the net.

Kannur’s Asier Gomes and Lavsamba both sent their penalties over the crossbar, while Alvaro saw his effort saved by Thiruvananthapuram goalkeeper Satyajit Bordoloi. The result meant every match in the second round of the competition was decided via a tiebreaker.

Thiruvananthapuram, looking to bounce back after losing their opening game against Calicut FC, started with greater attacking intent. The hosts created several opportunities during the early stages, but Kannur’s defence remained organised and managed to keep the Kombans at bay.

The defending champions gradually grew into the contest and began finding space through the flanks. S. Manoj and young Muhammed Sinan worked tirelessly on the right, while experienced winger Nijo Gilbert was influential from the left.

Kannur came close to breaking the deadlock when Spanish midfielder Asier Gomes made a dangerous run into the penalty area. However, Bordoloi quickly came off his line and produced an important save to deny him.

Thiruvananthapuram then looked increasingly dangerous on the counter. Muhammed Nisham tested the Kannur goalkeeper with an effort from outside the box, but his attempt was comfortably dealt with.

Nisham eventually made the breakthrough in the 43rd minute. The Under-23 forward controlled a delivery from the right with his chest despite pressure from a defender before producing an awkward but effective finish that found the corner of the net.

Kannur pushed for an equaliser after the break and continued to make good use of their wide players. Their persistence finally paid off in the 80th minute.

Nijo Gilbert delivered a well-weighted ball into the box, and substitute Frederick Botchway showed composure to evade the goalkeeper before placing his finish into the right corner. The late equaliser ensured the match went straight to penalties.

However, the shootout belonged entirely to Thiruvananthapuram. The Kombans kept their composure from the spot, while Kannur struggled under the pressure and failed to convert any of their three attempts.