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Delhi Dynamos beat NorthEast United 2-1, confirm semis berth
Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Dos Santos scored a late winner to help Delhi Dynamos in grabbing a semi-final spot after they defeated NorthEast United 2-1 in Guwahati on Saturday.
Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Dos Santos scored a late winner to help Delhi Dynamos in grabbing a semi-final spot after they defeated NorthEast United 2-1 in Guwahati on Saturday.
It was the Indian striker, Robin Singh, who scored Delhi’s first of the night on the 30th minute, but a little later, Seityasen Singh restored parity for the hosts. However, Santos found the winner for the Roberto Carlos-coached side in the 88th minute to clinch the game.
With the win, Delhi now go second on the points table with 21 points from 12 games, while NorthEast are two rungs below with 17 points from 13 matches.
The first real chance of the first half fell for Robin, as Richard Gadze laid the ball for his strike partner, but the forward’s effort was kept out by Rehenesh T.P.
Barring a few shots from here and there, it was a cagey affair thereafter as both sides struggled to get hold of the midfield.
Robin finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute as his first time strike found the back of the net. Rehenesh had to fist the ball away but a weak clearance saw the ball being knocked back to Robin who placed it near the first post.
A few minutes later, the pressure put on by United paid off as the hosts restored parity. It was Seityasen who tucked the ball away calmly after taking two touches.
It was quite a lacklustre start after the breather, but suddenly the game sprung open with a NorthEast counter attack. It was Seityasen again who almost ran the entire length of the pitch but was tackled near the edge of the rival penalty area, though it seemed like an unfair challenge, the referee thought otherwise.
A few minutes later, it was Santos who had an opportunity to shoot again. This time, he did not miss and with a brilliant left footer, sealed the deal for his side.
