ISL 2018-19: 3 reasons why Delhi Dynamos FC drew with FC Pune City

#2 Pune played as a team

Diego Carlos scored a late equaliser for FC Pune City [Credits: ISL]

There were two big names missing from FC Pune City’s team list. Their star striker and captain Marcelo Pereira was not available because of suspension. Iain Hume is enjoying his time as an expert as he is yet to recover from injury.

Without these stars, it was thought Pune will struggle in their first match. But that was not the case. In fact, in the first 15 minutes, it was Pune who controlled the proceedings. In the fourth minute, Ashique got the ball and squared it to Alfaro, who failed to reach. Delhi were losing the ball too often in the midfield and Pune took the chance. It was Ashique again as he got past Pritam Kotal and crossed in the middle of the box but Gharami cleared without much discomfort.

Pune never looked like they were missing something. They played as a unit. Be it youngsters Ashique, Nim Dorjee Tamang or veteran Marko Stankovic, Jonathan Vila – everyone played their part. But it was Diego Carlos who stole the limelight. The substitute played a beautiful wall pass with Emiliano Alfaro before slotting home.