Delhi Dynamos pip Chennaiyin FC 1-0 to record 1st win in ISL

Delhi Dynamos hung on an early goal to beat Chennaiyin FC by a solitary goal to record their first win of the Indian Super League second season in a closely-fought match here today.

Brazilian Anderson Sebastio Cardoso's goal from the spot in the 8th minute turned out to be the matchwinner as Delhi took full three points in their second match after losing to FC Goa in their campaign opener.

Chennaiyin, on the other hand, slumped to their second consecutive defeat after losing 2-3 to defending champions Atletico de Kolkata in their previous match.

Cheered by around 20,000 supporters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the Delhi side had more openings and controlled the better part of the match though the Chennai team enjoyed more ball possession.

The Marco Materazzi-coached visiting side lacked sting in the attack with Steven Mendoza and Balwant Singh failing to combine together.

Jeje Lalpekhlua, who started against ATK, had to miss today's match as he is doing his national duty, while Fikru Teferra was not 100 per cent fit and came only for the last 10 minutes of the match.

With Brazilian Gustavo Dos Santos and former France and Chelsea star Florent Malouda making an impact in the match, Delhi did not feel the absence of India striker Robin Singh -- away in Turkeministan in national colours -- and they had more chances in the match though Chennaiyin were the better side in the second half.

Delhi took the lead as early as the 8th minute through a penalty converted by Brazilian Cardoso. Cardoso's Brazilian teammate Gustavo Dos Santos initiated the move as he cut into the Chennaiyin box from the left before releasing the ball for captain Hans Mulder to take a shot which, however, hit the outsretched hands of Chennai player Manuele Blasi.
The referee promptly pointed to the dreaded spot and Cardoso cooly placed the ball past a diving Chennaiyin goalkeeper Apoula Edel Bete to the wild celebration of the 19,453 home team supporters.

Chennaiyin goal came under threat once againt in the 21st minute with Santos, after a one-on-one with Florent Malouda, cut into the left side of the visiting team. But, the Brazilian, instead of passing the ball to Richard Gadze, attempted a shot from an acute angle at the near post which was collected by the goalkeeper. 

Chennaiyin pressed for an equaliser but they were still looking for an opening. Just at the stroke of half hour mark, Delhi were denied another goal by the woodwork as Gadze's right-footed shot after a tussle with Bernard Mendy beat the goalkeeper but the upright came to its way.

Just after that close save, Chennaiyin captain Elano Blumer, who increasingly made his presence felt, essayed a wonderful through pass inside the Delhi box but did not pose any threat to home team citadel.

Delhi had a close save in the 34th minute with right back Anas Edathodika committing a defensive lapse and Steven Mendoza's left footer from just outside the box hit the upright to bounce back into play.

The second half show more attacking intent from Chennaiyin but Delhi hung on the late array of attacks from Chennaiyin to record a win in their first home match of the season.
Balwant was at the thick of things in the 53rd minute but his header from a beautiful cross from the right by Avishek Das just went wide.

It was now end to end attacking and Delhi striker Gadze made a fine attempt but his left footer missed the target by a whisker in the 55th minute.

Chennai made some last-ditched efforts towards the end but Steven Mendoza and Balwant muffed the chances that came their way.

Delhi supporters waited for marquee-player-cum coach Roberto Carlos to take the field but with his side in front did not come out to fulfil the home supporters.

Materazzi, who returned as Chennaiyin coach after missing the previous match due to suspension from touchline during his side's last match of ISL 1, also did not take the field.