A late goal from Gustavo Dos Santos helped Delhi Dynamos bag all three points against NorthEast United FC and confirm their berth in the semis on Saturday in the Hero Indian Super League.
NorthEast United FC manager Cesar Farias, who was elated by picking a point in their away game against FC Goa, will be cursing his luck to have lost his home game against third place Delhi Dynamos and has allowed FC Pune City a reprieve.
The match started on a poor note for the Lions, as Roberto Carlos suffered an early setback to his plan as he was forced to withdraw Souvik Chakraborty due to injury, but it was the absence of John Arne Riise from the match day squad that surprised everyone.
Despite the injury, it was Delhi Dynamos who gained control of the early proceedings of the match and made quite a few attacks in a matter of minutes but the compact defense of the Highlanders held the line until the half hour mark. It was Robin Singh who broke the deadlock for Delhi Dynamos, as he managed to put the ball past TP Rehenesh in his second attempt, after Rehenesh saved the initial attempt but only for Robin to slam home the rebound.
NorthEast United FC, though, responded quickly and managed to draw level seven minutes later, as Seityasen Singh latched onto Adingaa s mispass before applying a fine finish past Toni Doblas.
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The Delhi Dynamos goalkeeper was lucky on a number of occasions as Anas came to his rescue to clear the line after failing to collect the ball.
The second half was hardly encouraging, as both sides tactical football to outwit their opponent but neither side was unable to make any decisive changes until very late, as super sub Dos Santos made the difference.
The Brazilian has a sweet left-foot and made good use of it on the 88th minute, when he received the ball just outside the box then went past a defender before unleashing his cracking shot.
Delhi Dynamos, who piped FC Goa to the second spot, will face the Guars in their last match, while NorthEast United, who remained fourth, complete their season with a clash against FC Pune City.
Image Credits: ISL Media