Goa: Hyderabad FC reclaimed the top spot in the 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) standings with a dominating 4-0 win over SC East Bengal at the Tilak Maidan Stadium, here on Thursday.
Bartholomew Ogbeche (21’, 44’, 74’) scored a sensational hattrick to extend his lead in the goalscoring charts. Aniket Jadhav (45+1’) also got on the scoresheet for the Nizams. The result takes them to the top of the table with 20 points, ahead of Kerala Blasters FC on goal difference.
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Joao Victor tested Arindam Bhattacharja from a free-kick early into the game following a strong start by the Nizams. The goalkeeper was called into action a few more times later after having to make saves from Sauvik Chakrabarti and Aniket Jadhav. However, the custodian could not keep the ball out for long as Bartholomew Ogbeche’s header escaped his grip and landed inside the net for the first goal.
SC East Bengal gave a better account of themselves after the drinks break in the first half. They almost scored the equaliser but a save from Laxmikant Kattimani and a goal-line clearance from Joao kept the lead intact. At the stroke of the 41st minute, HFC doubled the lead after a comedy of errors by SCEB defence allowed Ogbeche to weave past the goalkeeper and score with ease.