HYDERABAD — Delhi FC lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with a
well-deserved and hard-fought 1-0 win against Sreenidi Deccan FC at the Deccan
Arena here on Monday. Stephane Binong scored the only goal of the match for
Delhi.
This was Sreenidi Deccan’s second loss of the season and
the first time they had failed to score in a home fixture in the I-League since
they started hosting matches at the Deccan Arena in the 2022-23 season. As a
result, the Deccan Warriors missed the chance to go to the top of the table and
remained in fifth spot with six points from four games. Delhi FC climbed to
10th place with four points from as many games.
Inter Kashi and Real Kashmir FC, who played out a 1-1
draw in Srinagar earlier in the day, have eight points each with the former
occupying the top spot on goal difference. Churchill Brothers and Dempo SC are
on seven points each with Churchill in third position on goal difference.
The first half of the match at Deccan Arena was one of
fine margins, with neither team ending up on the right side of them. It was
telling that despite the numerous attempts and the intricate play, there were
zero shots on target through the first period.
The teams went into the break goalless, with both coaches
perhaps looking to fire up their strikers and maybe even help them lace up
their scoring boots for the next period.
Despite being the proverbial underdogs, Delhi attacked
with far more vigour and vision than the hosts as time wore on and in the 71st
minute got their just reward.
A long ball from midfield was collected by Jakob
Vanlalhimpuia on the right wing. The winger collected and smartly cut the ball
towards the centre of the box. Stephane Binong, lurking in the area, took a
brilliant first touch to free himself of the marker before looping the finish
over an onrushing Ubaid CK to score the lone goal on the night and secure his
side's first victory this season.
