John Ogu and his dream of playing in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League suffered yet another setback after Hapoel Be’er Sheva were knocked out on Tuesday.
Ogu’s Be’er Sheva were held to a 2-2 draw at home in the second leg of the Champions League second qualifying round by Dinamo Zagreb, who advanced with a 7-2 aggregate victory.
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With Be’er Sheva trailing 5-0 after Zagreb’s emphatic first leg win, Ogu started what appeared like an unlikely comeback.
The Nigerian opened the scoring for his club side on the 14th minute, before a Petar Stojanovic own goal doubled the home side’s advantage at the break.
However, the Israeli champions let slip their two-goal lead in the second half, as goals from Mario Budimir and Izet Hajrovic drew the Croatians level on the night, and extending their lead on aggregate.
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Zagreb would hold on to seal a place in the third qualifying round, with Ogu and Be’er Sheva falling short once again.
Last year, the Israeli side were denied a place in the group stage on away goals rule by Slovenian champions, NK Maribor after a 2-2 draw in the final qualifying round.
For the 30-year-old and his club, attention shifts to the Europa League, where they have reached the last two group stages.
Ogu, who was part of the Super Eagles team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, lasted the duration of the game alongside compatriot, Anthony Nwakaeme.
