Ogbeche hat-trick sets Hyderabad FC at the top as FC Goa stumbles in playoffs race

Bartholomew Ogbeche produced a vintage performance as Hyderabad FC went back to top of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) table once again after beating FC Goa 3-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Thursday.
Ogbeche, who had previously scored only three goals in the season coming into the game, put Hyderabad FC in front on two occasions before sealing the result at the end.
Both teams got off to a slow start in this fixture. Neither had created any big chances in the first 15 minutes, but Hyderabad FC have never needed to be in control of the game to score goals, and they showed that once again. Halicharan Narzary picked out Ogbeche from the left flank, and the Nigerian striker placed his header to perfection to give Hyderabad FC the lead in the 20th minute.
FC Goa got their first real chance in the 28th minute. Edu Bedia played an outstanding pass from deep in midfield, but Noah Sadaoui couldn’t find the right contact. The half-chance led to a period where FC Goa made inroads into the final third more often but could not turn that into big chances. Hyderabad FC were happy to sit back, get into a compact shape, and wait for the half-time whistle. The half ended with Hyderabad FC leading 1-0.
In the 54th minute, Sadaoui and Iker Guarrotxena combined to test Hyderabad FC’s goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, who made a great save to deny Guarrotxena’s volley after picking up a pass from the left. Moments later, FC Goa came up with a similar move but found success. Sadaoui held up the ball on the left before floating it for a rushing Redeem Tlang to power the ball into the back of the net and level the score.
The game had opened up by now, and Hyderabad FC had a great chance to take the lead a few minutes later, thanks to Joel Chianese, but his shot was cleared off the line by Aibanbha Dohling. Sadaoui was finding a lot of joy on the left flank in the second half, and Hyderabad FC seemed to have no answers for him. On one occasion it looked like he’d set up Mohamed Fares to take the lead, but the goal was chalked offside.

FC Goa enjoyed most of the possession but weren’t able to turn that into goals. Ogbeche made them pay for it by putting Hyderabad FC in the lead in the 79th minute. The ISL’s all-time top goalscorer got on the end of a rebound and smashed the ball into the roof of the net to give Hyderabad FC the lead. He got his hat-trick in the 90th minute and confirmed the three points for Hyderabad FC with a sublime header.
Hyderabad FC will host Chennaiyin FC at the G.M.C. Balayogi Atheltic Stadium in Hyderabad on January 12. FC Goa will visit the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati to face NorthEast United FC on January 15, and will be hoping Odisha FC slip up when they play next, as even a point to the Juggernauts will push them into sixth place.
Key Stats:
– Sadaoui’s 6 shots were the most of any player in the game
– Hyderabad FC’s Gurmeet Singh faced 12 shots on goal and made 2 saves
– Ogbeche scored three goals from just four shots on goal
Pics Courtesy : FSDL
Also Read: Francesc Bonet confident of reigniting Gokulam Kerala’s title charge
Also Read: Maharashtra squad for Santosh Trophy announced – Football Counter
MFA / MFA Elite Corporate League
Mumbai Corporate League Begins: Milton Fernando & Joe Miranda Grace the Opener
The Mumbai Corporate League 2024-25 season commenced on Monday with Football Icon Milton Fernando and MYJ FC owner Joe Miranda gracing the occasion The clash saw last season’s Mumbai Super…
MYJ Blue Cubs League 2025: Nurturing the Future Stars of Football
MYJ Blue Cubs League 2025: Nurturing the Future Stars of Football
Dream Sports Championship: RFYC, Brothers SA, MSSA and Mumbai City FC kick off campaign with wins
The second season of Dream Sports Championship kicked off with the Mumbai Leg seeing 6 teams split in two groups of 3 teams each RFYC, Brothers SA record commanding victories…
Mumbai City FC held to their seventh draw of the season after a goalless stalemate against East Bengal FC
Mumbai City FC were held to a goalless draw against the East Bengal FC at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 tonight. This was East…
Mumbai Super League: MSP, Mumbai Ultras book final round slot
Nihal Colaco’s injury time brace helped MSP edge past Charkop while in other game, Ultras breezed past ROQs-DFA courtesy strike from Joyson, Shreyas and co. In group A, with one…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League Championship Group Kicks Off with Mumbay FC, Hope United Victory
The Mumbai Premier League Championship Group stage began with a statement victory for Mumbay FC while Hope United secured a close 1-0 win New entrant Mumbay FC secured a commanding…
Jamshedpur FC displace FC Goa at second spot with a clinical 3-1 victory
Cirkovic and Siverio strikers help Jamshedpur FC defeat FC Goa by 3-1 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 tonight. Khalid Jamil became the…
Dreams Sports Championship: RFYC to lock horns with Brothers SA in regional final
Reliance Foundation Young Champs, Brothers Sports Association setup final clash in Mumbai leg of Dreams Sports Championship Mumbai, February 05, 2025: The Reliance Foundation Young Champs continued their brilliant run…
ISL matches happening in Shillong will have a positive impact on Meghalaya’s footballing culture: Mumbai City FC skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte
Mumbai City FC skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte is all set and geared up to feature in the Indian Super League (ISL)’s debut in Meghalaya with NorthEast United FC hosting the Islanders…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant qualify for ISL 2024-25 playoffs with 3-0 triumph against Punjab FC
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Punjab FC by 3-0 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season tonight. The Mariners became the…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…