Among other updates on Indian football players, Hyderabad FC reclaimed top spot in the 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) standings. They secured a dominating 4-0 win over SC East Bengal at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa on Monday night.
Bartholomew Ogbeche scored a sensational hattrick (21′, 44′, 74′) that effectively extended his lead in the goalscoring charts. The only other player to reach yesterday’s scoresheet in the football match was Aniket Jadhav (45+1′), for HFC.
Updates on Indian Football Players – Hyderabad FC Reclaimed Top Spot
The First Half
Joao Victor tested Arindam Bhattacharja from a free-kick early into the game following a strong start by the Hyderabad. The goalkeeper sprang into action a few times later too, after having to make saves against Sauvik Chakrabarti and Aniket Jadhav.
However, the custodian could not keep the ball out for long. Bartholomew Ogbeche’s header finally escaped his grip and landed inside the net for the first goal in the 21st minute.
After the drinks break in the first half, SC East Bengal almost scored the equaliser. But a save from Laxmikant Kattimani and a goal-line clearance from Joao kept the lead intact.
With 41 minutes on the clock, HFC doubled the lead after a comedy of errors by the SCEB defence. This confusion allowed Ogbeche to weave past the goalkeeper and score with ease.
Aniket Jadhav then scored HFC’s third goal after a couple of minutes. His low shot from the left flank found the bottom-right corner and Hyderabad entered the halftime break with three goals.
The Second Half
Marcelo Ribeiro made his debut from the bench as East Bengal tried to find a breakthrough in the second half.
However, it was HFC that scored the next goal, their fourth and final one. In the 75th minute, Nigeria international Ogbeche finally got his first hattrick of the season. Javier Siverio’s shot deflected into Ogbeche’s path, who didn’t hesitate while slotting the rebound into the back of the net.
SCEB had a penalty awarded late on, after Ribeiro tripped inside the box due to their defense. But Kattimani, who correctly guessed Franjo Prce’s attempt, saved the ensuing spot-kick well. Hyderabad kept their clean sheet intact for the remainder of the match and secured an important three points.
This smashing 0-4 away result takes Hyderabad to the top of the table with 20 points. But they are ahead of Kerala Blasters FC only on goal difference, and not by points.
