In an I-League match, Delhi FC clinched a 2-0 victory over a 10-man Gokulam Kerala FC, courtesy of twin strikes in the second half by substitute Brazilian forward Sergio Barboza.
The turning point came in the 40th minute when Gokulam’s Mashoor Shereef was shown a red card for a rough tackle on Balwant near the box edge.
With this win, Delhi FC now holds the seventh spot on the table with 26 points from 21 games, while Gokulam Kerala sits in fifth place with 36 points from 22 matches.
Gokulam’s forwards squandered numerous chances in the first half, allowing Delhi FC to gradually gain momentum. Despite a solo effort from former India international Balwant Singh threatening the opposition goal, Gokulam’s attacking prowess seemed subdued, possibly affected by their position in the title race.
The numerical advantage in the second half favoured Delhi, with Barboza’s entry in the 55th minute injecting Brazilian flair into their attacks. He capitalised on a pass from fellow substitute Tondomba Naorem to break the deadlock with a clinical finish into the bottom corner.
Barboza sealed the victory with another goal three minutes before full time, capitalising on Hudson Dias’ through ball and firing past the goalkeeper. (With inputs from PTI)
