Delhi Dynamos were held to an entertaining six-goal draw by already knocked out Kerala Blasters on Thursday, as the Lions failed to move to the top of the Hero Indian Super League standings.
Delhi Dynamos scored a goal in added time to preserve their unbeaten home record in the second edition of Indian Super League in a match that saw five goals in the first half alone, Kerala Blasters scored through Chris Dagnall (9th minute), Joao Coimbra (30th) and Antonio German (39th), while Delhi Dynamos hit back with goals from Gustavo Dos Santos (7th minute), Adil Nabi (40th minute) and Sehnaj Singh (90th minute).
Delhi Dynamos will remain at the third spot on the ISL table following their draw but have one more match to go, which is against second placed FC Goa on Sunday.
Delhi Dynamos made a quick start to the match and took the lead within seven minutes, as Gustavo Dos Santos broke the deadlock with his exquisite run and finish to Florent Maloudaa s beautiful assist.
Kerala Blasters earned a reputation of scoring early goals and pegged back the Lions, who had been eyeing the top spot ahead of the match, two minutes later. Delhi Dynamos defender Anas Edathodika, who has had an impressive campaign, was guilty of misjudging the flight of the ball for a header, leaving Chris Dagnall with an easy chance.
Kerala Blasters buoyed by the equalizer, went on take the lead on the 30th minute after Joao Coimbra, with a beautiful curling effort after a dazzling run inside the box, put the ball to the top corner of the net.
Kerala Blasters followed it up with another wonder strike to double their lead, as Antonio German chested the ball down then made a swift turn towards goals then finished with a dazzling volley that left Delhi Dynamos goalkeeper Subhashish Roy Chowdhury rooted to the ground.
There was time for another goal in the first session as Delhi Dynamos clawed their way back with a goal of their own in the 40th minute. It was Adil Nabi, who showed just why he is a Premier League footballer as the on-loan West Bromwich Albion striker got on the end of a cross from Shylo Malsawmtluanga and headed it right past the goalkeeper who hardly had any time to react.
In the second half, Delhi Dynamos had more control of the proceedings but it was not until the five minutes of added time that they managed to find the equaliser. It came from the boots of Sehnaj Singh who, provided with time to take aim at goal from almost 30 yards out, taking everyone by surprise with a cracker of a strike.
. Image Courtesy: ISL Media