ISL 2015: Delhi Dynamos 3-3 Kerala Blasters - Dynamos extend unbeaten home run with late strike
Last year, Kerala’s away game against the Delhi Dynamos coincided with their co-owner Sachin Tendulkar’s birthday. Arguably India’s greatest sporting icon in recent years, his presence, coupled with the love of the Malayali people for the beautiful game ensures crowds flock in aplenty for the franchisee, and it was no different here in JLN that evening. A record turn out was thus present as Penn Orji’s solitary strike ensured God’s team from God’s own country notched up a crucial win, paving way for their way in to the play offs.
This year, however, the tables have turned. The Blasters have endured a woeful season and languish bottom of the points table while the Roberto Carlos coached Dynamos have already sealed their place in the next stage of the competition. As expected, there were lesser people, perhaps dejected but the ones who did turn up were treated to quite the show by the visitors.
First Half: Kerala take the advantage in a goal-fest
Christopher Dagnall capitalised on a failed clearance attempt from Anas Edathodika to cancel Gustavo dos Santos opener off Malouda’s assist and then Joao Coimbra cut inside and curled a scorcher into the far top corner to assert Kerala’s authority over the game.
Dynamos custodian Subhashish Roy Chowdhury's evening, who was handed a start for the first time this season went from bad to worse soon as Antonio German struck a vicious shot on the half volley off a corner. In fact if not for referee CR Krishna disallowing Bruno’s goal, the margin could have been more pronounced.
However, Delhi Dynamos recovered and the hosts came storming back, capping off the frantic first half with another goal, this time from Adil Nabi, the much talked about loanee from West Bromwich Albion tapping in Shylo’s cross from the right flank.
Second Half: Late scorcher from Sehnaj earns a draw
The breather seemed to do little to dampen the exuberance and the tempo of the fixture. Both teams came out all guns blazing. Delhi, playing to preserve their winning record at home this season came close twice but Nabi and Malouda’s shots were parried by Sandip Nandy.
Coach Roberto Carlos, who had opined in a pre-tournament press conference that he doesn't mind conceding 3 goals as long as the Dynamos score 4 in return was finally presented with a scenario to pull off his prophecy. In a bid to find the equaliser, Carlos substituted Hans Mulder for Vinicius and brought Richard Gadze on for Florent Malouda. The Ghanian made an immediate impact, twisting and turning to beat 2 defenders but his shot proved too meek to breach Kerala’s net.
In the final quarter, Delhi kept pressing and Sehnaj scored from outside the box in stoppage time to equalise and preserve the franchisee's unbeaten home run.
The Blasters, on their part held on for an inconsequential, yet entertaining draw, ensuring even without Sachin’s birthday, the franchisee would have reason to celebrate when they head back to the dressing room later tonight.
The result keeps Delhi Dynamos in the 3rd playoff spot, while Kerala Blasters cap off a dismal season and can finish no higher than 7th, after having made the final last year.