ISL 2018-19: Delhi Dynamos FC 1-1 FC Pune City - 5 Talking Points

Delhi Dynamos FC couldn’t hold their supremacy against FC Pune City as they drew 1-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Rana Gharami, who made his debut in Indian Super League last evening, put the home side ahead with a sublime strike from 40 yards, giving the opponent goalkeeper no chance. However, substitute Diego Carlos got the equalizer just a couple of minutes before the end, ensuring his team at least a point in a difficult match.

Pune could have won the match had they converted their chances. On the other hand, Delhi was solid for a better part of the match but some sloppy defending towards the end cost them two points.

Let’s look at the five talking points of the game:

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#1 Solid defence, but DD need to work more

Delhi's Narayan Das (right) in action [Credits: ISL]

In Narayan Das and Pritam Kotal, Delhi have the two best fullbacks of the country. Narayan, who plied his trade for FC Goa in the previous season, put up a commanding display from the left side. He was not only solid in defensive roles but often doubled up as a winger.

Pritam, who wore the captain’s armband, has also kept Ashique Kuruniyan, the best young player of the night, under check. In the middle, Rana Gharami and Gianni Zuiverloon built up brilliant understanding.

But they were unable to hold their concentration till the end of the game. When Carlos played one-to-one with Alfaro, Pritam was nowhere near the ball. Narayan failed to mark Alfaro and despite Marcos Tebar’s effort, the goal could not be avoided.

Delhi shouldn’t lose hope though. They still have good defenders, but they will need to work hard. The defenders need more understanding between them. Apart from his wonder goal, Rana showed much promise as a centre-back on his debut. If coach Josep Gombau puts his trust on the player, then Rana could be a household name by the time ISL gets over.

#2 Pune boasts the most attacking line-up

Diego Carlos celebrates his goal [Credits: ISL]

Marcelinho, FC Pune City’s captain was suspended on Wednesday. Iain Hume was also not available due to injury, Without this two potent strikers, Emiliano Alfaro was the only option available for Pune coach Miguel Angel Portugal. He put Alfaro as the lone striker and Ashique and Jakob Vanlalhumuia on two wings.

After first 15 minutes, the strategy backfired. Pritam and Narayan were able to resist the threat posed by Pune wingers and Alfaro was stranded alone. Delhi players bossed on the midfield. So neither Jonathan Vila nor Adil Khan could provide a pass to Alfaro.

The situation changed once Diego Carlos took the pitch. The Brazilian with his raw pace made it uncomfortable for Delhi defenders and ultimately put his name on the score sheet.

Marcelino will be available from the next match and once Hume recovers from his injury, it will impossible to resist Pune from scoring goals.

#3 Lack of prolific striker a problem for Delhi

Lallianzuala Chhangte moves forward with the ball [Credits: ISL]

After a disappointing eighth finish in the previous season, Delhi Dynamos completely overhauled their team. Along with some prominent names, they decided to release Kalu Uche, who scored 13 goals from 15 matches last season.

They roped in Serbian striker Andrija Kaludjerovic. Considering their first game of this season, this decision could hurt Delhi badly. Uche was a prolific striker, which Kaludjerovic isn’t. He missed two great chances, that could’ve put his team ahead. The other two forwards – Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Seiminmang Manchong are inexperienced and untested to play at this level.

#4 Ashique is a very promising winger

Ashique in action against Delhi Dynamos [Credits: ISL]

Ashique Kuruniyan is a product of FC Pune City youth academy. The boy from Kerala’s Mallapuram district got off his career with Pune before a loan spell with Villareal C. The foreign stint left a deep impact on Ashique and he is slowly becoming a talent that the country needs from a left-winger.

Against Dynamos also, Ashique was a constant threat for rival defence. In the first ten minutes, he created two beautiful chances and if converted, Pune could’ve easily gone ahead by that time. He often changed flanks with Jakob, which proves his maturity. Given ample time, he could be a dangerous weapon in the future.

#5 Rana’s wonder strike

Rana Gharami scored an outrageous goal [Credits: ISL]

The first half was a bit slow for both the teams until Rana’s thunderous strike came in 44th minute. The footballer from Garalgachhia, West Bengal has never scored a goal like this before. He was a famous name in Kolkata football until the ISL came calling.

The former Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan defender got the ball just a few yards ahead of the centerline. Pune goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was a bit ahead from his usual position. Seeing this, Rana wasted no time and took a shot. Vishal could do nothing but watch as the ball bumped into the net.