New Delhi: Jamshedpur FC notched up their maiden win of ISL-IV with a solitary goal victory over struggling Delhi Dynamos FC (DDFC) here Wednesday. Nigerian forward Izu Azuka struck in the 60th minute to score ISL newcomers Jamshedpur’s first goal and ensure three points for the side after three goalless draws on the trot.
For DDFC, it was their third loss on the trot after beginning the season with a 3-2 win over FC Pune City in an away match. This was their second consecutive loss at home after their 0-2 defeat at the hands of NorthEast United, December 2.
Despite concerns of poor quality of air in the national capital prior to the match Wednesday, it was one of the better days in terms of pollution and the focus was on football. But the 8000-odd crowd who turned up at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium returned disappointed at the show of the home side.
Neither side could find a way to score in the first half as each of them had one shot on target. DDFC had over 60 per cent possession but failed to capitalise on it. Jamshedpur, barring one good run from Siddharth Singh, had nothing worth mentioning either.
In the 13th minute, DDFC captain Kalu Uche was able to find the back of Jamshedpur net off a free-kick by Paulinho Dias but he was ruled off-side much to the dismay of the home crowd.
Eight minute later, it was the turn of Jamshedpur to have a shy at the DDFC goal. Bikash Jairu darted down the left and had Azuka running on his right. But Jairu’s square pass was played a little behind Azuka who nonetheless managed to get a shot which was just wide of the near post.
The second half was more action-filled as compared to the first 45 minutes. Jamshedpur were clearly the better side after the break. They earned a penalty in the 57th minute, but Andre Bikey’s weak shot was easily stopped by DDFC custodian Albino Gomes.
But, the visitors did not need to wait for long for their first goal of the season as Azuka headed home at the stroke of the hour mark off a free-kick taken by Mehtab Hossain.
Press Trust of India
