Delhi settle for third straight draw

ATK’s Iain Hume celebrates after scoring against Delhi in an ISL-2 match on Saturday. (Photo: BIPLAB BANERJEE)

Delhi Dynamos played out their third draw on the trot at home as their Indian Super League football match against defending champions Atletico de Kolkata ended 1-1 here on Friday.

Canadian striker Iain Hume put Kolkata ahead in the 27th minute before second-half substitute Richard Gadze equalised in the 61st minute at Nehru Stadium.

The draw meant that Delhi have not won at home since they beat Chennaiyin FC 1-0 on October 8 in their first match here and the Roberto Carlos-coached side will have to search for the elusive victory in the three matches left to be played at home.

The draw did not bring any changes to the league table with Delhi still third with 15 points from nine matches while Kolkata remained fourth with 14 points from 10 games.

Delhi though had beaten Kolkata 1-0 in the first leg.

Kolkata had more possession in the initial exchanges but chances were not coming from both sides. Delhi got a free-kick from a dangerous area just outside the Kolkata box midway into the first half but captain John Arne Riise’s ferocious shot was blocked by his own player Seminlen Doungel.

Kolkata took the lead in the 27th minute with usually reliable Delhi goalkeeper Antonio Doblas committing a mistake.

Kolkata wingback Rino Anto sent a fine low cross from the right and Doblas, instead of collecting it, pushed the ball with his outstretched hands to the path of Hume who blasted it to the roof of net.