Hellas Verona striker Gift Orban. Copyright: Andrea Rigano/Imago
Gift Orban and Daniel Oyegoke played key roles as Hellas Verona secured a surprise 2-1 away victory over Bologna in a dramatic Serie A clash on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Orban provided the assist for Verona’s second goal as the visitors came from behind to record only their third league win of the season.
The 2024 Super Eagles invitee was making his first appearance after serving a suspension. He had missed Verona’s last three league matches following a controversial red card during the 2-1 defeat to Parma in mid-February.
Despite the break from action, Orban returned straight into the starting line-up and played an important part in the decisive moment of the game.
Meanwhile, right-back Oyegoke also contributed strongly at the back at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. The former Arsenal academy defender was making just his ninth league appearance since joining Verona from Heart of Midlothian last summer.
Hellas Verona respond after Bologna take the lead
The first half ended goalless, although Orban had a couple of chances to put Verona ahead. In the 25th minute, he forced a save from the goalkeeper before missing another good opportunity moments later.
He was also involved in creating chances. One of his crosses found teammate Kieron Bowie, but the striker sent his effort wide.
After the break, Bologna finally took the lead. Jonathan Rowe scored four minutes into the second half to give the home side the advantage.
The goal was not a big surprise. Bologna started the game eighth in the league table and were expected to beat a Verona side sitting close to the relegation zone.
However, the visitors responded quickly.
In the 53rd minute, Martin Frese scored a stunning long-range strike to level the match. Just four minutes later, Verona completed the turnaround when Orban created a clear chance for Kieron Bowie, who finished calmly to make it 2-1.
Orban continued to threaten and even tried another long-range effort around the hour mark, but the shot went well off target.
Bologna pushed hard for an equaliser late in the game, but Verona defended strongly. The visitors even thought they had scored a third goal through Amin Sarr before VAR ruled it out for a foul earlier in the move.
By the final whistle, Orban had produced an impressive display. He finished the match with five shots, two on target, three key passes and two big chances created.
The victory ended Verona’s long run without a win, which stretched back to December and lasted 12 league matches.
Verona will now prepare for their next league match at home against Genoa at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.
Despite the important victory, Verona remain seven points away from safety with only ten matches left this season. They will need more results like this if they are to avoid relegation.