Bartholomew Ogbeche’s hat-trick lifts Hyderabad to league summit

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria forward Bartholomew Ogbeche put up a man-of-the-match display as he scored three goals to help Hyderabad to a 3-1 win over Goa on Thursday.

Ogbeche opened the scoring for the visitors in the 20th minute from Holicharan Narzary’s assists at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao.

Hyderabad were pegged back in the 54th minute as Redeem Tlang equalised for the host.

Ready to earn its fifth straight win in the league, Hyderabad were not to be discouraged as Bartholomew Ogbeche converted the team’s second goal in the 79th minute.

11 minutes later, Ogbeche completed his hat trick off Abdul Anjukandan’s assist to earn a 1-3 win.

The 2002 FIFA World Cup revelation saw 94 minutes of action before he was replaced by Aaren D’Silva.

He has scored six goals with an assist for Hyderabad in the league this season after 13 games.

The win ensured that Hyderabad moved to the top of the log with 32 points in 13 games, appoint better than second-placed, Mumbai City, and six points ahead of Kerala Blasters.

Hyderabad will next face Channaiyin on January 12, 2023, at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad.