Delhi Dynamos gave their fans a reason to cheer in their final home game of the Indian Super League this seaon as they notched a 1-0 victory over FC Goa in the first leg of the ISL 2015 semi final on Friday night.
Robin Singh remained the scorer of the night for the home side.
Roberto Carlos started with a strong attacking line that boasted of names like Robin Singh, Adil Nabi, Gustavo, as well as Malasawmtluanga. The entire forward line combined to produce some mellifluous football in the match to keep FC Goa at bay.
Indian star forward Robin continued his trend of scoring the opening goals in the ISL as his powerful header gave the home side the first blood just before the half time. A wonderful link-up saw Gustavo pass the ball back to Chicao in the right wing, and the Brazilian calmly crossed the ball from the flank to pick out the towering Robin.
The India international won the duel against FC Goa's star Brazilian defender Lucio, and rose the highest to slot the ball back into the net with brute force.
For the away side, Gregory Arnolin remained very decent in the match as the Frenchman showed his no-nonsense attitude to clear out constant shots on goal from the Delhi Dynamos forwards. Zico introduced Romeo Fernandes in the 34th minute of play, but the lightning-footed Indian winger couldn't make much of an impact.
Leo Moura and Joffre also tried their best for Goa to get something out of the match as they combined well in the midfield to make numerous scoring opportunities for Reinaldo upfront, but they couldn't get too much success.
Florent Malouda made Carlos frustrated after the ex-Chelsea winger missed a clear goal in the 73rd minute of play. The Frenchman was on the receiving end of a gem of a pass from Mama inside the box, but Malouda's final shot on goal was surprisingly wide.
Gustavo, meanwhile, forced a brilliant save out of FC Goa custodian Laxmikant Kattimani in the 84th minute. The Brazilian used his dribbling abilities and pace with elan to beat the defenders and penetrate into the box to launch a powerful shot aimed at the top corner, but the Indian goalkeeper was up for it.
Zico's side had a massive chance to get the equaliser the next moment itself, as Rafael Coelho came dangerously close with his header. John Arne Riise also got dangerously close to doubling the lead for the hosts in a couple of occasions from his wonderfully-taken free kicks.
The pressure is now on FC Goa to perform at home in an effort to make it to the ISL 2015 final.
Catch Robin Singh's goal below:
