Delhi Dynamos’ prospects in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League look bleaker than ever as it suffered another loss at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday. This time, Kerala Blasters succeeded at the host’s expense thanks to a Penn Orji goal.
This was a game in which a draw granted no advantage to either side. The makeup of Blasters’ side reflected the need for a win as it lined up in an aggressive 4-4-2 setup.
The system was afforded its offensive intent by C.S. Sabeeth and Godwin Franco who pushed forward to such an extent that they could occasionally be classified as wide forwards. Consequently, fullbacks Sandesh Jhingan and Saumik Dey moved up high too.
Dynamos persisted with its standard 4-4-1-1 formation but six changes were made to the lineup. The most crucial introductions, arguably, were Pavel Elias and Adil Khan on the right flank. The duo lent much needed protection to an area that had been an obvious weakness for Dynamos.
The energy that had characterised the host’s early displays in the ISL returned but there was little quality on offer. Dynamos looked like a side recovering from a major loss of confidence and Blasters wasn’t averse to test the opposition’s fortitude.
Iain Hume was a constant menace in the final third while his strike partner Milagres Gonsalves hardly stopped running in the opposition half.
Yet, it was Dynamos who had the best chance of the opening half. Adil Khan released Mads Junker with a weighted ball on the break and the latter’s cross found Alessandro del Piero’s head around 10 yards from the goal.
Unfortunately, the header struck an exuberant Adil who blocked the shot from going into the opposition net.
As the contest moved into the second period, it became more intense. It was obvious neither side wanted to settle for a point.
Blasters attacked with greater fury; consequently Dynamos found more space and threatened on the counter. Ten minutes into the half, though, the visitor made a decisive change.
The more attack-minded Penn Orji was introduced at the expense of the defensive support provided by Raphael Romey. This could have created more spaces for Dynamos in the opposition half but the situation didn’t come to pass.
In fact, Blasters stung the host on the counter. A move on the break following a corner was wasted as Gonsalves failed to pass the ball to his teammates in a three versus two situation.
However, Dynamos lost the ball almost immediately and Hume’s cross from the right was delivered to Orji. The Nigerian struck home with his second touch.
Gonsalves could have doubled the advantage four minutes later but his shot was expertly saved by ‘keeper Kristof van Hout’s legs. Facing a side that had not conceded in its last three fixtures, Dynamos faced a tough task.
Mads Junker and Hans Mulder were hauled off for Gustavo dos Santos and Morten Skoubo, respectively, but the best the host could offer were half chances.
In fact, Kerala looked likelier to score. In the end, one goal was enough.
The result: Delhi Dynamos 0 lost to Kerala Blasters 1 (Penn Orji 61).
