I-League 2023-24: Delhi FC edge past already struggling Namdhari

Bali Gagandeep, Hudson Dias scored for Delhi FC.

Delhi FC ran out 2-1 winners over Namdhari FC in the 2023-24 I-League at the Namdhari Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

Bali Gagandeep’s early header and Hudson Dias’s penalty after the break were enough for Delhi to pick up their second win on the trot and climb to fourth place on the table with 13 points. Namdhari were condemned to their fourth loss in five games after an overall uninspiring display, except for Sehajdeep Singh’s stunning consolation goal, pushing the I-League newcomers down to 12th, with five points in eight matches.

The Namdhari Stadium is home to both clubs this season, but it seemed like only Delhi FC felt at home on Tuesday afternoon. Goals from long throws are not something you see every day, but that’s how Delhi got off to the perfect start.

Former India striker Balwant Singh, better known for his clinical finishing, was on point with his looping throw from the right flank. It was perfectly met by Bali Gagandeep’s glancing header and bounced into the bottom corner, giving Namdhari goalkeeper Tenzin Samdup no chance.

Delhi would not rest easy. Knocking the ball around with plenty of confidence, they almost doubled their advantage at the half-hour mark when Sergio Barboza set up Balwant at the edge of the box with Samdup out of position. But the Delhi skipper’s first-time effort was headed over by a backtracking Saurabh Bhanwala.

There was no respite from Balwant’s throws for Namdhari in the second half too. While Sukhandeep managed to head away his throw minutes into the second half, thankfully for Namdhari, Barboza’s follow-up header could only hit the side-netting.

Desperate to add to their lead, coach Yan Law brought on more firepower in the form of Hudson Dias, and the substitution paid off as the Brazilian earned a penalty after being fouled by Stephen Acquah near the by-line. Hudson himself stepped up and converted a cheeky penalty right down the middle.

It took a two-goal deficit for Namdhari to come out of their shell and display attacking intent. But Delhi remained compact centrally, not allowing their opponents to make any inroads in their box. And so, it took an absolute thunderbolt of a strike from 35 yards out by Sehajdeep Singh deep in added time to break the Delhi defence.

The goal came a little too late for Namdhari, but for the 18-year-old, it will remain an unforgettable moment, scoring his first professional goal in some style.

Next up for Delhi FC is a trip to Hyderabad to take on Sreenidi Deccan FC on December 11, while things only get tougher for Namdhari FC as they are set to welcome leaders Mohammedan Sporting on December 13.

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