Delhi Dynamos FC gave a late twist to the intriguing battle for fourth place in the Indian Super League (ISL) with a surprising 1-0 away victory at FC Pune City on Saturday night. Delhi leapfrogged both Pune and Kerala Blasters FC into the top-four following their win at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Stadium.
The visitors have 17 points from 13 matches, one more than Pune and Kerala with only one more round of matches remaining in the home and away first stage of the eight-team tournament, which began on Oct. 12. The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals. Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa have already secured their places in the playoffs.
The home team did not make it easy for Delhi, who left it late for the winner. It was scored in the 88th minute by their Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Dos Santos.
The first half saw an even contest with chances for both teams. The home team began well with their left-sided winger Park Kwang-il of Korea tormenting the Delhi defence.
Delhi forward Mads Junker had the first good chance of the match from a corner. The Dane had an open goal in front of him and merely had to tap in but he inexplicably missed. In the 36th minute, Pune's former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant hit the woodwork.
Both teams had chances in the second half. Dos Santos was the most influential player on the pitch after the break as he constantly troubled the home defence. Santos' teammate, Delhi right-back Adil Khan also played a vital role in repelling Pune attacks with good tackles and sound positional sense. Pune's Nigerian striker Dudu Omagbemi had scoring opportunities but was unable to provide the finish.
Delhi brought on their marquee signing, former Juventus and Italy forward Alessandro Del Piero, in the 69th minute in search of the lead. The Italian World Cup winner provided tactical vision to his team's midfield. With two minutes remaining, Dos Santos finally provided the winner. The Brazilian took possession on the right, cut in and fired an excellent shot into the far corner from a narrow angle.
Pune brought on former France striker David Trezeguet -- ironically Del Piero's long-time strike partner at Juventus -- in search of the equaliser. But Delhi saw out the game without any major scares.
Delhi need a victory in their final match at league leaders Chennai on Dec. 9 to clinch a spot in the semifinals. Should Delhi fail to get three points from the game, the winners of the match between Pune and Kerala on the same day will clinch the final position in the top four.
Third placed Atletico de Kolkata are on strong footing to finish third -- the Bengal-based franchise have 18 points and play Mumbai City FC away on Sunday night and host FC Goa on Dec. 10.