ISL fans one of the best in the world, says Hyderabad FC's Bartholomew Ogbeche

Ahead of Hyderabad FC's clash against ATK Mohun Bagan in their second-leg semifinal on Wednesday, Indian Super League's (ISL) all-time highest goal scorer Bartholomew Ogbeche relishes the return of fans in the summit clash, adding that spectators will add motivation for the players.

ISL organisers FSDL had earlier announced the return of fans back to the ground for Sunday's final at the PJN Stadium, Margao. The Goa government has permitted a 100 per cent seating capacity, allowing the league to open the doors for fans for the first time in two years.

Ogbeche, who has scored 18 goals this season, is on the cusp of featuring in the summit clash with Hyderabad FC taking a commanding 3-1 lead over ATK Mohun Bagan in the first leg of their semifinal clash. The Nigerian striker is the all-time leading scorer in ISL history with 53 goals.

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Speaking on the return of fans, Ogbeche said, "It is going to be awesome. It will be an additional motivation for us. We've missed the fans immensely. Just the thought of having the fans back in the final motivates us."

In his fourth ISL season, having represented NorthEast United, Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City previously, the former Paris Saint-Germain striker rated ISL fans as one of the best in the world.

"I think they are one of the best fans in the world. So passionate and die-heart. It is unfortunate that we had to go through tough times for the past two years. The well-being of fans and players is paramount, that is the reason why we have been playing behind closed doors," he said.

"Honestly, having the fans back is something that I cannot wait for. We don't need any further motivation to play. I hope we reach the final, feel their warmth and support, and their presence around will be an honour for us." Ogbeche asserted.

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The striker also said he was delighted with the two-goal advantage Hyderabad have over ATK Mohun Bagan.

"We still have the return leg, so our battle cry has to be humility, and that is it for now. The first half in the first leg did not go according to plan. I think we respected the opposition a bit too much gave them too much space and freedom. We came out in the second half and took the game to them. We are just happy with the lead now," Ogbeche concluded.

The first phase of tickets for the ISL final, put on sale Saturday onwards, was sold out within 21 hours. Each ticket holder has the chance to claim a commemorative digital collectable of the final match ball as part of the fan experience.

Also watch: ISL 2021-22, SF2 1st leg highlights: Hyderabad seal 3-1 win against ATK Mohun Bagan