Uche nets late winner for Dynamos

Guwahati, February 14: Kalu Uche came off the bench to score the only goal of the game as Delhi Dynamos FC beat NorthEast United FC 1-0 in an Indian Super League (ISL) tie at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium here on Wednesday (February 14).

Kalu Uche came on from the bench to strike late and give @DelhiDynamos all 3 points against @NEUtdFC in Guwahati!#HeroISL #LetsFootball #NEUDEL pic.twitter.com/kIsH6uVbJr

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 14, 2018

It was Delhi's just third win of the season.

NorthEast and Delhi fight for scraps

Neither team managed to get much joy going forward as both sides struggled to make inroads into the opposition penalty area during the opening exchanges. Seiminlen Doungel had a big chance to give the hosts the lead in the 20th minute after Reagan Singh found him with a smart pass forward. Doungel though failed to realise the amount of time and space he had before gently shooting straight at the goalkeeper.

Delhi also tired to push forward sporadically as Jeroen Lumu surged forward on one such occasion into NorthEast's penalty box before firing into the side netting. However, neither side really managed to conjure any chances of note as the opening period ended goalless.

It was more of the same in the second period with both teams struggling to demonstrate free-flowing attacking football. Delhi had a half-chance in the 67th minute after Matias Mirabaje crossed from the left for substitute Uche, who couldn't keep his header on target.

The Lions had another chance from a corner six minutes later when David Ngaihte beat his marker and got his head to the ball. His header, however, failed to test the NorthEast goalkeeper and let the Highlanders off the hook.

The hosts then responded with a shot from distance through Maic Sema in the 80th minute. This time the Swedish striker failed to keep his effort on goal to the disappointment of his teammates. Uche then had a shot on goal five minutes later but TP Rehenesh got behind the ball to make a comfortable save.

The Dynamos went on to finally break the deadlock three minutes from full-time after Ngaihte combined well with Uche. The Indian's cross from the right was headed in with aplomb by the substitute to make it 1-0 for Delhi.

Kalu Uche towered over others to head home a late winner for @DelhiDynamos! He is the Hero of the Match!#HeroISL #LetsFootball #NEUDEL pic.twitter.com/A9kMT38u5L

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 14, 2018

Ngaihte had a chance to make it 2-0 late on but his effort ended up being blocked as Delhi went level on points with NorthEast.

(Source: ISL Media)