Delhi FC (DFC) defeated the ISL giants Kerala Blasters in the final group stage game of the Durand Cup in Group C. Willis Plazaβs second-half strike helped DFC to their first-ever Durand Cup quarterfinal game at the Kalyani Stadium on Wednesday. After starting the game on a bright note as DFC tested the Blasters keeper in many ways possible during open play. Despite the constant pressure in attack from DFC, the Blasters had a reply to keep the game goalless.Β
πππππ π π πππππππ πππππ πππππ ππππ πππ ππππππππ πππππ ππππ π πππππππππππ πππ ππππ ππππππ ππππππππ π ππͺπ»βΌοΈπ#DurandCup2021 #aiff #cherrytree #DelhiFC #DilmeDilli #KBFC #YennumYellow #DFCKBFC pic.twitter.com/wIBrIffFcs
— Durand Cup (@thedurandcup) September 21, 2021
The introduction of Plaza off the bench came in the first half to help DFC continue the flow of momentum from where they had left off at. The Trinidadian international had almost made an instant impact as he managed to get away from three defenders in the box to get a shot away quickly which was blocked comfortably. The whistle was blown for halftime as the game remained goalless.Β
DFC started the second half from where they left off to continue the pressure in attack. Just eight minutes into the second half saw the substitute Willis Plaza made this constant effort on goal count as he found the back of the net after bringing the ball down superbly and turning two defenders to find the bottom corner at the near post to put DFC up 1-0 in the 53rd minute. The was a must-win game for both sides to make it to the knockout stages in the tournament. The one goal was enough to separate the two sides as the Kerala Blasters finish at the bottom of Group C with 3 points. They managed to score just 1 goal in three games and have conceded 3. Delhi FCβs win has helped them to just edge it to finish 2nd in the group on 4 points ahead of the Indian Navy who also are on 3 points but are ahead of the Blasters on goals for. Bengaluru FC top the group with 7 points.
