A hotly disputed penalty decision in the 8th minute of the clash between Delhi Dynamos FC and Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League dominated proceedings in the post match conference at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.
Brazilian defender Anderson Sebastiao Cardoso stabbed home the penalty after Hans Mulder’s shot was allegedly handled inside the 18 yard box. Cardoso’s solitary effort was enough to give Delhi Dynamos their first win in the second edition of the Indian Super League.
The Dynamos dominated the first half and nearly doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Ghanaian striker Richard Gadze’s angled drive hit Bete’s left post. Four minutes later, Chennaiyin FC nearly took a surprise lead after Dynamos defender Anas Edathodika recklessly gave the ball away to John Steven Mendoza, who rattled the crossbar from the edge of the box.
In the end, Delhi Dynamos hung on to earn their first points of the new campaign.
Roberto Carlos Justifies Penalty Claim
Delhi Dynamos’ Brazilian manager Roberto Carlos justified the referee’s decision to award the penalty to his side in his post match press conference.
“It was a clear penalty,” said Carlos.
“I am happy with 1-0. We do not need to win every match 5-0. It is more important to win against one of the favourites for the title.”
Carlos was visibly pleased with the defensive performance put in by his players when he said, “my team was strong physically. When Chennai attacked in the 2nd half, our defenders were always in the right positions.”
AND THERE’S THE FINAL WHISTLE! The Lions win 1-0 against @ChennaiyinFC! #DELvCHE #RoarWithTheLions pic.twitter.com/JDhl2HXBHb
a Delhi Dynamos FC (@DelhiDynamos) October 8, 2015 .
Asked about his team’s laboured approach in the 2nd half, Carlos replied, “a lack of intensity in the 2nd half is normal in this heat. Despite that, Chennai had no shots on target in the 2nd half. “We are just starting the competition and the team is getting to know each other better.”
Carlos dismisses player release controversy
Carlos was asked about the controversy surrounding the 3 Indian players (Robin Singh, Francis Fernandez and Sehnaj Singh) of his squad who were called up for International duty to which he replied, “these three players are very important players for me. I wanted to play them against FC Goa (in the last match),” said the diminutive Brazilian legend.
“We could have bought three tickets to fly them to Dubai and join the national team there.
Great first win at home! Thanks for all your support and tweets! Very happy with how we were fighting all game. Getting better every game!
a John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) October 8, 2015
“Everything was arranged. But there was a misunderstanding. They were also important for the national team.
“I will do whatever I can to help Constantine (Manager of the Indian national team).”
Chennaiyin FC lament dubious penalty award
Speaking to the press after the match, Chennaiyin FC assistant manager Vivek Nagul lamented the awarding of the penalty to the Dynamos.
“The penalty awarded was dubious in our opinion,” said Nagul.
“However, I do not want to comment on the standard of officiating in this tournament.
Commenting on the match in general, Nagul said, “the better team on the day lost the match. We were 1-0 down at half time and the players responded in the 2nd half.
“If we didnt miss our chances, we would have won the match.”