Kerala Blasters 2-1 Bengaluru FC: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | ISL 2019-20

#2 Bartholomew Ogbeche saves the day, again

Ogbeche saved the day again

Throughout the 2019-20 season, Kerala Blasters have looked a side that has often lacked substance, despite boasting style in abundance. Across numerous fixtures, they’ve bossed possession, only to be on the wrong end of the result.

Predictably, their goal-scoring prowess has come under the scanner, with Messi and Ogbeche being the primary goal threats. In fact, the pair had combined for 18 of the 23 goals the Blasters had scored before Saturday, thereby highlighting the dependence on the duo.

And, against the defending champions, Ogbeche proved his worth again as he conjured a brace to inspire an improbable comeback and accord the Manjappada the joy of a triumph against Bengaluru FC.

For large swathes of the game, the striker looked a tad isolated as the visitors doubled up on Messi and rid the former of the adequate service. However, when dead ball situations presented themselves, Ogbeche stood up to be counted.

In the first half, the Nigerian unfurled a rasping drive, which somehow evaded Gurpreet whereas he displayed immense composure to tuck away his spot-kick in the 72nd minute.

Thus, despite not being at the top of his game, Ogbeche had managed to notch up a brace and ensure that his side ended off their home campaign on a high.

After all, that’s a story that has become pretty synonymous with the Blasters, hasn’t it?