(Football news) Bartholomew Ogbeche showed why he is considered to be the greatest striker in the Indian Super League’s history as his brace against NorthEast United propelled him to the top of the all-time scorers' list as Hyderabad FC defeated the Highlanders 5-0 on Monday. Ogbeche scored in the 3rd and 60th minute which meant the Nigerian has now scored 14 goals this season and 49 overall, one more than Sunil Chhetri and Ferran Corominas. What makes it even more impressive is that this feat took only three and a half years to accomplish.

Apart from Ogbeche, Akash Mishra (45th), Nikhil Poojary (84th) and Edu Garcia (88th) were also on the scoresheet for Hyderabad FC as Manolo Marquez’s men put up a five star performance at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda and extended their lead at the top of the Indian Super League table to four points and are now on 26 points from 14 games. NorthEast United remain in 10th place on the table with 10 points from 15 matches. 

Hyderabad FC took the lead just three minutes after kickoff as Bartholomew Ogbeche was in the right place at the right time, scoring from a rebound after Joao Victor's header hit the post. After breaking the deadlock, the Nizams dominated the game and continued to threaten NorthEast United’s defense. They doubled the advantage in the first half added time with Akash Mishra scoring his second goal in as many games after heading in a corner from Joel Chianese. Despite a brief spell of possession by NorthEast United just before halftime, the Highlanders went into the break trailing 2-0.

In the second half, Ogbeche scored his second goal in the 60th minute, thereby becoming the league’s all-time top scorer. Joel Chianese whipped in an inviting ball which was subsequently cleared by Subhashish Roy Choudhury but the ball went into the far post. Chianese then headed the ball into Ogbeche’s path and the 37 year old found the back of the net. For all his effort, Chianese deserved to be on the scoresheet and almost managed to score a goal when he got free of his marker but his effort went off target.

NorthEast United thought they had managed to get a consolation goal with Suhair Vadakkepeedika finding the back of the net but it was disallowed. To make matters worse, Nikhil Poojary scored Hyderabad FC’s fourth goal of the evening after substitute Sahil Tavora set it up for him on a platter. Edu Garcia also joined the party to make it 5-0 which not only contributed to Hyderabad FC extending their lead on top of the table but also helping their goal difference tally with a four point gap between the Nizams and second place Jamshedpur FC.

Hyderabad FC will face ATK Mohun Bagan next on Tuesday, 8th February at the GMC Athletic Stadium while NorthEast United FC will take on Kerala Blasters FC on Friday, 4th February at the Tilak Maidan.

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