Match Report: Delhi Dynamos scrape past Chennaiyin FC 1-0

Cardoso calmly slotted home from the spot (Image courtesy ISL)

In what would most certainly be labeled a electrifying response, Delhi welcomed the ISL caravan today. The hosts buoyed by the 19000 strong crowd ran out 1-0 winners against last season’s semi finalists, Chennaiyin FC. The result thus takes them to 5th in the table and even though coach Roberto Carlos rightly acknowledged that they would have to improve considerably if they want to make the play-offs this year, the win should keep the gaffer and his wards in good stead ahead of a lengthy stretch on road, one which will see them play 5 matches away from home.

Below is a cumulative account of what transpired at JLN today:

Array of changes at both ends

After going down to FC Goa and Atletico de Kolkata in their respective openers, both Delhi Dynamos and Chennaiyin decided to tinker with their line up. While the hosts brought in Anas Edathodika for Anwar Ali in defence and Gustavo Dos Santos stepped in at left wing in place of fellow Brazilian Vinicius Ferreira de Souza, marquee manager Marco Materazzi made as many as four changes in his team.

While Bernard Mendy replaced the injured Mailson in defence; Raphael Augusto paved way for Manuele Blasi’s first appearance this season. Also John Stiven Mendoza Valencia and Balwant Singh started upfront in place of Jeje and injured Ethiopian striker Fikru.

Ghanian recruit Gadze runs past Chennaiyin defenders (Image courtesy ISL)

First Half

The hosts started the brighter of the two sides, creating ripples through the Chennaiyin defence which looked fragile again. Former Inter Milan centre back Alessandro Ponteza and Bernard Mendy were often found wanting by the likes of Malouda and last year’s top scorer Dos Santos, who seemed to be relishing his return to the franchise’s fortress. In fact he consistently dazzled the crowd with nimble footwork and trademark run-ins early on.

The first goal followed soon as Hans Mulder blasted a shot which seemed goal bound till Manuele Blasi’s hand seemingly obstructed its trajectory. Referee Tejas Nagvenkar pointed to the spot and Cardoso calmly slotted home from 12 yards to open Delhi’s account after 8 minutes.The visitors then tried to carve out an opening of their own with Mendoza running past Riise only to be brought down by the former Liverpool full back who was subsequently booked. Elano's resulting freekick though was way off target.

Dynamos too stayed on the offensive as their 20 year old forward Richard Gadze ran through the opposition before hitting the cross bar. Minutes later Mendoza returned the favour found himself open but could only find the woodwork from the edge of the box. Also Elano created havoc in the Delhi defense just before half time, leaving the Colombian with a clear chance at goal but his shot was well defended by a diving Riise.

Chennaiyin’s marquee player Elano remained largely ineffective (Image courtesy ISL)

Second Half

Post the breather, the match took a turn for the drab. Both teams exchanged attempts but seldom seemed posed any real threat. Chennaiyin in fact had a golden chance to restore parity in the 53rd minute after Thoi Singh played a diagonal pass to Avishek on the right flank. The youngster's measured cross found Balwant deep inside the box, but the striker, who is also the first Indian to score a goal in ISL couldn't keep his header on target from short range.

Later, Chicao made a run into the Chennaiyin area and had acres of green ahead of him, but chose to pull the trigger with the 25 yard strike missing the target by a whisker. Delhi did seem to keen on extending their lead as they brought on Vinicius and loanee from West Bromwich Albion-Adil Nabi post the hour mark but that too proved ineffective in altering the scoreline.