Delhi Dynamos offered a perfect dose of mid-week entertainment to its 15,000 fun-loving supporters by registering a 1-0 win over Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday.
In the low-scoring yet gripping affair, Dynamos showed a lot of improvement to win its first home match of the season and keep its no-loss record against Chennaiyin intact.
With fine execution of its attacking game, Dynamos was off to a flying start.
Led by the efficient Hans Mulder in the midfield, Dynamos pushed on both flanks early and did not give Chennaiyin any time to settle down. With Souvik Chakraborty and Malswamtlunga Shylo gelling well on the right flank, the host relished some opportunities.
When Mulder’s shot from the centre was blocked by Manuele Blasi, the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Anderson Cardoso kicked to touring custodian Apoula Edel’s right to convert the penalty in the eighth minute.
The focus shifted to the left flank, studded with the charismatic Florent Malouda and Gustavo dos Santos, as Dynamos continued to torment the Chennai backline.
After Apoula thwarted a John Riise attempt, dos Santos, fed by Malouda, succeeded in earning a corner in the 21st minute.
Malouda precisely sent it close to the post and Mulder rose high to give the visitors another jittery moment.
Dynamos were unlucky not to extend their lead at the half-hour mark. Dutch striker Richard Gadze spectacularly sped past three blue shirts from about 35 yards and drove at the goal. An alert Apoula blocked it and followed it up with another save from the resultant corner.
Chennaiyin, which managed to slow down the pace late in the opening half, had a couple of noticeable chances. Harmanjot Khabra’s header off Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte’s cross from the left was its first meaningful effort, while Mendoza’s 35th minute long ranger left the active Dynamos defence, led by Riise, in a spot of bother.
Chennaiyin kept it tight after the change of ends. Marco Materazzi fielded Fikru in the 80th minute and his men mounted constant pressure on the Dynamos citadel. However, the solid home defence, backed by Sanjiban Ghosh under the bar, refused to buckle.
The result : Delhi Dynamos 1 (Anderson) bt Chennaiyin FC 0.
