ISL 3: Blasters goalless run continues with a draw against Delhi Dynamos

by Chittu Shetty October 10, 2016

Kerala Blasters opened their account with a draw against Delhi Dynamos at home in the Indian Super League’s (ISL) third edition after failing to find the net for the third game running at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.

Malouda attempts a header as chopra looks on

Both sides started their line up with three changes, Blasters coach decided to start Sandip Nandy at the sticks in place of Graham Stack to increase his team’s outfield option, Michael chopra and Azrack started the game in the attack and midfield position. For Delhi, injured Anas was replaced by Lalchhawnkima in the defence while Malouda started the game at the midfield. Richard Gadze was replaced by Badara Badji who scored from the bench against Chennaiyin FC.

Kerala started the game in a dominating fashion taking complete possession of ball and came close to scoring as early as fifth minute, when Chopra and Pratik combined to lay off Rafique into the box but Delhi keeper Doblas was quick to gather before Rafique could reach the ball. Kerala had few more attempts on goal in form of a wayward shot by chopra and set piece option in the 18^th minute which was easily dealt by Badji header.

Delhi were left chasing the ball in the quarter of game and got their first attempt on goal in the 20^th minute, when Malouda’s free Kick bounced awkwardly in the box, for Badji to turn it into a Goal. Minutes later Marchelinho’s cross found Badji whose final touch let him down.

At the half hour mark, Mehtab delivered a long ball for Pratik inside the box but Doblas was once again quick to reach the ball before his opponent. Minutes later Hengbart was fouled by Badji via a high boot but at the same time Chopra caught Marcos Tebar as both teams looked for punishment but the Referee allowed the incident to pass with just cautions.

Also Read: ISL 3: Last minute heartbreak for FC Goa as Pune city FC beat host 2-1

With the first half nearing its end, Kerala forced a string of corners but failed to make any Impact. Minutes before the end, Josu’s brilliant cross found Chopra inside the box, but Doblas once again came to rescue with an excellent save to the former Newcastle striker’s low shot on goal.

In the second half, a dangerous cross by Josu was uncomfortably cleared by Doblas, injuring himself in the process after colliding with Jhingan. He was ultimately substituted for the young Manipuri Poiren Soram between the stick.

At the other end, Malouda’s cross into the box was recovered down the right wing by Badji, only to be fouled by Hengbart just outside the box. The ensuing free kick by Marcelinho was well defended by the blasters defence.

In the 65^th minute, Rafique’s cross was sent into Chopra’s path by German only for the linesman to call it offside. Around 70^th minute a mistake from Ndoye caused to Badji to be through on goal, but the defender recovered well to halt Badji’s shot with a tackle.

Later in the game, Choprea was booked for diving inside the box after the strikers went down amidst a bunch of Delhi defenders. With the full time nearing, Kerala pressed hard in search of the elusive first goal of this season, while Delhi seemed happy to sit back and come away with a draw.

Despite a large amount of possession in the six minute of injury time, Blaster failed to find a Goal, as the match ended with a 0-0 Score line, a first of this season. With this draw, kerala blasters earned their first point of season after two defeats, while Delhi Dynamos have 4 points in two games.

Kerala Blasters FC 0 – 0 Delhi Dynamos FC