Delhi Dynamos became the second team to make it to the semifinals of the Indian Super League this season after recording a crucial 2-1 victory against NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic stadium in Guwahati on Saturday.
The match was heading for a draw following goals from Robin Singh and Seityasen Singh, but star forward Gustavo dos Santos struck a late goal to give the visitors the close win.
The first half remained an action-packed as both teams showed their intent of collecting all the three points right from the start. Both goalkeepers -- Rehenesh of NorthEast United FC and Toni Doblas of Delhi Dynamos -- made innumerable saves to thwart innumerable shots on goals.
Sensational Indian forward Robin Singh once again got the opener for his side as he took just a first touch to slot the ball inside the goal with his strong left foot inside the goal in the 30th minute of play. The entire attack began when Rehenesh parried Florent Malouda's freekick, but the ball fell for Richard Gadze on the rebound. It was then that the Ghanaian found an accelerating Robin inside the box to deliver a subtle through ball.
The lead from the visitors never even lasted for 10 minutes as Seityasen Singh got his debut goal of the ISL after scoring the equaliser in the 37th minute. The Indian forward used his blistering pace to get off the defenders, and lash a powerful shot with his left foot to get the score level-pegging once more.
Delhi Dynamos defender Zodingliana Ralte remained the man to be blamed as he could not clear the ball on time. And the mistake paved the way for the ever-present Seityasen to pick up on the lose ball to slot home for the home side.
Rehenesh proved once again why he is one of the best Indian goalkeepers in the ISL now as he constantly thwarted dangerous scoring opportunities from Delhi Dynamos. The 22-year-old denied Robin Singh and Gustavo dos Santos some sureshot goalscoring chances, as he used his flexibility and aerial skills to elan.
The Indian custodian however could not save the amazing shot from Gustavo dos Santos with four minutes remaining on the clock to score the most crucial goal for Delhi Dynamos this season. The Brazilian received the pass from Hans Mulder to lash on a powerful shot that blasted the net.
NorthEast United FC marquee player Simao Sabrosa also remained a threat from the set pieces, but the ex-Portugal International could not have much luck on the night. They were looking for a good result at home, but did not quite manage to eke out a win or a draw.
Catch the highlights from the game HERE.
