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Just minutes from the finish Richard Gadze broke the deadlock to break the hearts of over 60,000 Kerala Blasters fans at the stadium in Kochi. There was only joy for Roberto Carlos’ Delhi Dynamos who’ve now won three on the trot.
There were no surprises out of the Kerala Blasters dressing room ahead of kick-off. As expected Marquee signing, Carlos Marchena was given the much awaited green signal to start after the former Spanish International had missed the Blasters’ opening 3 fixtures. Partnering Marchena in the heart of the defence, was Sandesh Jhingan, Kerala’s stalwart in defence from last season.
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Jhingan returning from national team duty was slotted straight into the backline by coach, Peter Taylor. Local boy Mohammed Rafi, who was deemed unfit with a groin strain, missed out. A total of 7 changes were made by the hosts from their rather disappointing away trip to Kolkata.
Peter Taylor’s counterpart, Roberto Carlos made just one change to the in-form Delhi Dynamos side that beat FC Pune City. Shlyo Malsawmtluaga Mama gave way for Francisco Fernandes on the right wing. Player-manager, Roberto Carlos also named himself among the substitutes for the evening. Attacking ace, Robin Singh led the line for the Dynamos alongside, Frenchman Florent Malouda.
The game got off to an electrifying start with chances at each end in just under 90 seconds. Cavin Lobo managed the first effort on goal after a slick exchange with Spanish midfielder Pulga. Moments later Delhi’s number 9, Robin Singh forced a save off Stephen Bywater from close range at the opposite end.
The light showers at Kochi before kick-off reflected in general possession, as both sides moved the ball around the park with much grace.
Local lad C.K Vineeth got another effort on target for the dominant home side at about 10 minutes. The left full back cut in neatly and dispatched a shot that deflected on to the keeper, Doblas Santana. The Blasters kept knocking on the doors of the Dynamos defence which was now gaping wide open. An animated Roberto Carlos on the touchline was clearly expecting more composure from his centre halves, Riise and Edathodika.
Delhi slowly crept into the game around the half way mark of the first half. Dos Santos kept testing Stephen Bywater with half-hearted attempts from outside the penalty box.
On 26 minutes, Rahul Bheke found striker Manandeep with an inviting ball from the right wing. The striker, however, could not connect satisfactorily with the delightful cross as the goalkeeper dealt with it comfortably. Captain Peter Ramage was a busy man at the back, mopping clear Delhi Dynamos’ new found pressure lead by Florent Malouda and Francis Fernandes from the sides.
On 40 minutes, the Kerala Blasters high line was caught off guard. Relentless pressing from the lions resulted in Robin Singh going running clear at goal. The onrushing Stephen Bywater stepped up and came to Kerala’s rescue again.
After a thoroughly entertaining first half, the sides went into the break just as how they had begun; on level terms.
In dire need of goals, Ishfaq Ahmed and Sanchez Watt was introduced at the break in place of Chris Dagnall and Manandeep; both of whom had a largely forgettable first 45 minutes.
Delhi Dynamos who got going after the interval were awarded a free kick early in the second half, well within the range that the powerful left leg of John Arne Riise. The Norwegian couldn’t quite produce his trademark effort and slashed it wide.
The 62,013 at the Nehru Stadium thought that their team went ahead on 50 minutes, when Vineeth rolled the ball in after brilliant build up play from the Blasters, but the linesman had already flagged for offside at the far end.
It was Delhi’s turn to come close next. Riise’s ball in from the left was directed by Dos Santos onto centre back Marcus Williams, who nearly turned it in into his own net. The helpless Englishman was left counting his blessings for not making headlines at the end of a flawless Delhi move.
Substitute Richard Gadze who was brought on for Dos Santos, nearly broke the deadlock on 75 minutes. He was played in cleverly by Florent Malouda but the Ghanaian could only hit the side netting from close distance.
Some end to end stuff was on display in the second half as both sides followed one attack with another. Vineeth was the latest one to drive his team ahead but he only fired wide a Bruno Perone pass on 82 minutes.
The deadlock was eventually broken five minutes later by the super-sub, Richard Gadze. Florent Malouda’s inch perfect ball in from the right was guided goalwards by Gadze; silencing the loud supporters at the Jawaharlal Nehru. Gadze rose above Peter Ramage to nod home effortlessly what was to be the winner for the lions.
Delhi Dynamos’ lead was kept intact by their Spanish keeper Doblas who made a stunning stop off a C.K Vineeth shot right at the death.
As the game drew to a close, Delhi Dynamos who had saved the best for the last, stole the show at the end, and emerged victorious. As for Kerala, they shot blanks for the second home game in succession and went down fighting hard for second consecutive defeat in as many games.
