Dynamos escape with draw

NEWDELHI: Goalkeeper Francisco Dorronsoro gave a superb performance as Delhi Dynamos rode on his saves to escape with a goalless draw despite an insipid display against defending champions Chennaiyin FC in an Indian Super League clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday.

The title holders, who grabbed their first point from what was their fourth game of the season, dominated in terms of chances but didn’t put in a convincing display either in a dull draw in the national capital.

Chennaiyin began the game well and had an early chance when the ball found its way to an unmarked Eli Sabia Filho from a corner in the very first minute. The Brazilian’s effort, however, landed straight in Dorronsoro’s hands.

Seven minutes later, Raphael Augusto took aim from distance but his attempt to failed to trouble Dorronsoro. It was a pattern that continued for the rest of the half. Chennaiyin created more of the chances despite having a lower share of possession, yet none significant enough to cause panic in the hosts’ backline.

The visitors came close three minutes from half-time when Thoi Singh attempted a low shot at Dorronsoro, only for the latter to pull off a save and keep the scores level.

BEST CHANCE

With seconds left for the breather, the hosts produced their biggest chance of the contest when Lallianzuala Chhangte ran down the left flank and crossed to Andrija Kaludjerovic. The Dynamos forward, however, headed straight to Chennaiyin keeper Karanjit Singh.

Chennaiyin showed greater intent in the second half and grew into the game as the minutes passed by. Dorronsoro wouldn’t budge though and the Spaniard made two key saves midway through the half, first deny Andrea Orlandi in the 65th minute and then forward Carlos Antonio Salom from a one-on-one situation four minutes later.

With five minutes left on the clock, Augusto had another go at the Dynamos goal and saw Dorronsoro acrobatically push it away. The hosts would hold on to seal the draw and remain eighth in the standings with three points. Chennaiyin jumped above Pune City, who are now at the bottom of the standings, courtesy of a better goal difference.

Chennaiyin coach John Gregory lamented his side’s failure to convert chances. “We should have won the game quite comfortably. If we had won 3-0, I don’t think Delhi would have complained about it. We didn’t take our chances. It tells the story when their goalkeeper is the man of the match,” he told reporters.

CHENNAIYIN SHOWED GREATER INTENT IN THE SECOND HALF AND GREW INTO THE GAME AS MINUTES PASSED BY BUT DYNAMOS GOALKEEPER DORRONSORO WOULDN’T BUDGE

FC GOA V MUMBAI

GOA: Having registered their first victory of the season, FC Goa would look to keep the winning momentum going when they take on Mumbai City FC at home in an Indian Super League match here on Wednesday. With four points from two games, the Gaurs have made a positive start to the fifth season of the tournament.

I-LEAGUE LAUNCHED

NEW DELHI : The 12th edition of I-League was officially launched here on Tuesday. The league that kicks off on October 26, will see 11 teams battling it out for the top honours over a period of six months.

This season, fans will witness top-flight football entering Jammu & Kashmir with Real Kashmir FC making its muchawaited debut.