Football

ISL: Ogbeche’s return to form bodes well for Kerala Blasters’ forthcoming matches

Bartholomew Ogbeche was one of the star strikers in the last season of the Indian Super League. He ended up as the joint second highest goal-scorer with 12 goals to his name in 18 outings for NorthEast United FC. In fact, he had two assists to his name as well on top of the dozen of goals he scored.

Ogbeche began this season in a similar manner too as he helped Kerala Blasters FC, his new team, to victory in their tournament opener against ATK FC with a brace. However, he endured a poor run of form after that and a brief layoff due to injury made him miss out on two matches as well.

He blanked in five back-to-back matches after his double-strike in the first match of this season against ATK. His failure to score had a deep impact on Kerala’s performances as well. They hadn’t won a match after their opening day win against the Kolkata-based franchise.

But it seems like things have started changing for the better since the last three matches. The Blasters have accumulated four points as a result of one win and one draw during the stretch of these three games. And one of the main reasons behind their improved performance has been Ogbeche’s return to form.



The 35-year-old Nigerian striker has scored four times in the last three matches. He scored one each against Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United FC and delivered his best performance of the season so far with a brace against Hyderabad FC on Sunday.

Such a performance helped Kerala to register a thumping 5-1 victory in front of their home crowd. Ogbeche scored both of Kerala’s first and last goals in the match and looked quite energetic for the entire duration of 90 minutes.

In fact, it has been Ogbeche’s endurance that has been his biggest strength always. He doesn’t give the opposition defenders any time to catch their breath. He has the ability to make them pay for even one mistake as he can track moves shaping up very early. His vision and positioning inside the box make him an even bigger threat and he is one of the best in the league in terms of aerial ability as well.

Kerala now have seven matches left in the season and there couldn’t have been a better time for their star-striker to return to form. Ogbeche will also be eager to carry this momentum forward. He has already scored half of the number of goals he netted last season and now, his aim would be to take a shot at bettering his last season’s tally as well.

 

 

Written by: Prasenjit Dey

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post

Recent Posts

Young Shuttlers Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda Storm Into Taipei Open Quarterfinals

India's emerging badminton stars Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda continued their impressive runs at the… Read More

May 9, 2025

IPL 2025 Faces Suspension Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on the brink of suspension… Read More

May 9, 2025

Lalrindika Replaces Yadwad in India’s Provisional Squad for June Internationals

Edmund Lalrindika has been called up to replace the medically sidelined Irfan Yadwad in India’s… Read More

May 9, 2025

Ange Postecoglou slams critics, says people ‘fear’ Spurs might win Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has lashed out at the club’s critics after they… Read More

May 9, 2025

Carlos Alcaraz gives injury update ahead of Italian Open

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that he is good to go at the Italian Open and… Read More

May 9, 2025

Man City forward Erling Haaland blames lack of ‘hunger’ for poor season

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland feels the lack of hunger led to their poor season.… Read More

May 9, 2025