ISL: Mailson Alves' late header earns Chennaiyin FC a draw against Delhi Dynamos

New Delhi, February 11: A late goal by Mailson Alves earned Chennaiyin FC a 1-1 draw against Delhi Dynamos in their Indian Super League game at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday (February 11). Even though Chennaiyin continue on the top four with 24 points, the draw only means their life the rest of the season will be even more difficult to secure a spot in the semis.

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Coach John Gregory was not satisfied but still happy to get a point. "One point is never enough, but I am glad we could manage the point. We are very much in the contention for the semis race."

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Kalu Uche gave Delhi the lead from the spot but Alves levelled for the away side with a header.

The home side dominated the early exchanges and created a few scares in the Chennaiyin FC defense. Twenty-year-old Lallianzuala Chhangte was finding it easy to penetrate through the wings. The Delhi Dynamos nippy winger put in a couple of good balls into the opposition box for his teammates to attack.

Captain's take

Kalu Uche of Delhi Dynamos celebrates with teammates after scoring against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday (Image: ISL Media)

Pride at stake

Delhi Dynamos' captain Kalu Uche celebrates with Paulinho Dias after converting from the spot (Image: ISL Media)

Mailson Alves' powerful header cancelled out Kalu Uche's strike from the spot as @DelhiDynamos and @ChennaiyinFC split the points! More videos: https://t.co/cVyUhTONeX#ISLRecap #LetsFootball #DELCHE pic.twitter.com/AUnNv9OSCc — Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 11, 2018

Mailson the hero

Mailson Alves rescues a point for Chennaiyin FC against Delhi Dynamos.

Jeje gets close

Jeje Lalpekhlua of Chennaiyin FC attempts to score against Delhi Dynamos on Sunday (Image: ISL Media)

Fifteen minutes into the game, Delhi Dynamos had a wonderful opportunity to take the lead. After passing the ball patiently in the midfield, Chhangte put in a tantalising ball into the box for Kalu Uche, but the Nigerian couldn't get his head to it.

A similar pattern of play continued for much of the first half. But just before the half-time whistle, Chennaiyin FC could have taken the lead had Gregory Nelson shown some composure in front of the goal. The midfielder was played in by Jaime Gavilan play with just the goalkeeper to beat but he blasted his shot high.

In the second half, Kalu Uche gave the home side the lead from the spot. Just before the hour mark, the referee awarded Delhi a penalty for Raphael Augusto's foul on Mirabaje.

Delhi looked set to take all three points from the game but with just 10 minutes left on the clock Chennaiyin FC found a leveller.

Rene Mihelic's lobbed free-kick was met by Mailson Alves, who rose above everyone in the box to put the ball past Delhi Dynamos goalkeeper.

With little time left on the clock both sides tried to find a winner but there was nothing to separate the two on the night.

Source: ISL Media