Football
Durand Cup 2022: Hyderabad FC qualify for knockouts, defeat NEROCA FC 3-0
ISL Champions Hyderabad FC book their berth in the knockout stages of Durand Cup 2022 after a clinical 3-0 win against NEROCA FC.
Reigning Indian Super League (ISL) champions Hyderabad FC (HFC) qualified for the quarter-finals of the 131st IndianOil Durand Cup, blowing away Neroca FC 3-0 at the Orange Brigade's home turf-the Khuman Lampak Stadium, in Imphal.
In what was another highly impressive and professional display by HFC in Group C, the Manolo Marquez-managed side now has three wins from three games and their top striker Bartholomew Ogbeche, who had his second brace of the tournament, also climbed on top of the highest scorer's chart, with four goals now against his name. Australian Joel Chianese scored the third for the ISL champs in a dominating display.
The Nigerian Bart Ogbeche's prowess in front of goal is something perhaps Indian football has rarely seen play regularly on their grounds. His sense of presence, timing and power inside the box and the quality of his finishing have been giving nightmares to defenders in India for the past few years. Even on the day, he had a hand in all three goals, scoring two himself.
The first goal came early for the Nawabs after Akash Mishra, on the charge from his customary left, drove inside the box and crossed it back in, for Ogbeche to meet it at the right place as usual. He took a strike on the turn with his left, towards goal, but it took a couple of deflections in the crowd and the loose ball fell invitingly for Joel Chianese to slot home from close.
Borja played a quick one-two with Lalchungnunga Chhangte while penetrating down the left, to deliver a cross to find Ogbeche at the right place again. The Nigerian made no mistake with the header.
Hitesh Sharma showed great determination down the right flank to keep a ball in play. His cut back on the slide found none other than Ogbeche on the edge of the box and his measured right footer beat keeper Soram Porei for the third time in the match.
NEROCA tried to fight back in the second half but the control from HFC was good enough to see them through. NEROCA plays Chennaiyin FC next for second place as the battle gets tighter.
