Kerala Blasters edge Dynamos

Penn Orji strikes the winning goal

Delhi Dynamos’ miserable stretch in the Indian Super League continued as they slumped to yet another defeat, a 0-1 verdict against Kerala Blasters, at the Jwaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.

Desperately seeking a win, Dynamos made six changes to their starting line-up with Morten Skoubo, Gustavo dos Santos, Bruno Herrero, Robert Lalthlamuana, Naoba Sigh and Steven making way for Adil Khan, Mads Junker, Alessandro Del Piero, Elias Pavel, Souvik Chakraborty and Shylo Malsawmtluanga. It didn’t break their winless stretch, though.

Penn Orji’s goal in the 61st minute brought the victory for the Blasters, who had held Dynamos to a goalless draw in their home match.

The win has  catapulted Blasters to third place with 12 points while Dynamos continue to languish at the bottom of the table with seven points.

However, in an entertaining first half, Dynamos were fluent with their moves and attacked with purpose.

Del Piero stood out with his fine passing and excellent footwork. It was probably one of his best performances as he stamped his class with excellent ball control.

However, he was unlucky not to bring up his maiden goal in the tournament.

His best chance came when his header, fed off a precise cross from Hans Mulder from the right, was blocked by his own teammate Adil Khan, who was also trying to get into the thick of the things.

Delhi attacked with vigour but quite a few chances went abegging.

Blasters, backed by their vociferous albeit small gathering, did a good job at defending.

Yet Delhi midfield and strikers combined well to weave some excellent moves, only to be let down by poor finishing.

To add to Dynamos’ worry, one of their best defender Wim Raymaeker caught his hamstring as the two teams entered the half time, goalless.

Raymaeker in the second half was replaced by Stijn Houben.

The Dynamos run with misses chances continued in the second half.

In an another excellent opportunity, soon after the break, saw  Del Piero breaking through the midfield and shooting a cross to Mulder at the box but it was well defended by Sandesh Jhigan. 

Defence in tatters

Dynamos, were soon to find themselves on the backfoot, as Blasters by now were counter-attacking dangerously into their half.

The hosts’ defence soon lied in tatters as Blasters, in another counter-attack from the right, had Iain Hume firing the ball to substitute Orji, who successfully struck home.  

Encouraged, Blasters then came close to scoring another goal but this time Dynamos’ backline held up, much to their fans’ relief.

Dynamos’ chase for an equaliser saw them making a clutch of good openings but none could meet the desired end.