ISL 2017/18: Delhi Dynamos coach happy to get one point against Chennaiyin FC

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Guyon Fernandes scored at the death to earn a point for Delhi (Photo: ISL)

The Delhi Dynamos brought their run of losses in ISL to an end by salvaging a draw on Sunday against Chennaiyin FC. The Dynamos scored a late goal to snatch a point from the encounter as it ended 2-2 at full time.

Guyon Fernandes scored the all important equalizer at the very death to deny Chennaiyin victory. Dynamos head coach Miguel Angel Portugal was happy with the result.

“Yes, I'm happy with the result because today we scored two goals and I'm very happy”, said Portugal. “But we shipped two goals also and they capitalised on the set-piece. But I'm happy that we have got a point.”

Despite arresting the slump with a draw, the Dynamos players were outraged at the final whistle as the referee blew the whistle with the Dynamos in possession a little away from Chennaiyin’s box. The players and some of the substitutes rushed at the referee to vent their frustration

When asked about the brawl that happened at the end to the game, Portugal said: “In Bengaluru, we received a goal after the time ended. But I don't have a problem with that.”

The Dynamos gave a good account of themselves in the first half and even took the lead with a beautifully constructed move that was finished off by David Ngaithe with a flying header. But in the second half, Chennaiyin took control and the Dynamos had no shots on target until the eventual equaliser.

Jeje Lalpekhlua, who had made the scoreline 1-1 for Chennaiyin, scored again early in the second half as the hosts took control of the game. In an attempt to salvage something from the game, Portugal brought on forwards Fernandes and Kalu Uche towards the end and the two combined to score the second goal. Uche’s initial header back across goal was met by Fernandes who had an easy finish.

“Uche had been injured. Ngaihte, Chhangte and Nandha had good mobility. But I thought we needed Uche's strength in the final 30 minutes”, said Portugal about the impact his changes had on the game.

Before the match he had spoken about the need to guard against set-pieces and Chennaiyin’s first goal was scored by Jeje as he headed in a free-kick.

“Our problem is in our minds. I asked my players to do man-to-man marking. But we made some mistakes and Jeje scored the goal," lamented Portugal. 

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