Nigerian forward Gift Orban is gradually enjoying life in France after coming off the bench to score on Tuesday night to help Lyon reach the final of the Coupe de France.
He made a significant impact as a substitute, scoring a crucial goal to propel Lyon into the final of the prestigious Coupe de France, Footballrover reports.
Orban, who entered the field as a late replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, demonstrated why he’s still one of the best youngsters out there by netting Lyon’s third goal just three minutes after stepping onto the pitch in the 72nd minute.
With precision, he converted a well-delivered pass from the left, securing a decisive victory against their second-division opponents.
This victory has earned Lyon a coveted spot in the French Cup final, where they will vie for glory against either PSG or Rennes on May 25th.
For Lyon, it’s an opportunity to clinch their first major title since 2012, marking a potential end to their silverware drought.
In their journey to the final, Lyon faced a resilient Valenciennes side, who put up a spirited fight despite playing in Ligue 2.
The underdogs even had a goal disallowed in the first half after a VAR review, highlighting the intensity of the encounter.
Lyon’s breakthrough came after the halftime interval, when Lacazette was fouled in the box, earning his team a penalty.
The French international confidently converted from the spot, setting the stage for a dominant second-half performance.
Lacazette further showcased his prowess by adding a second goal, courtesy of an assist from Saïd Benrahma.
The loanee from West Ham United played a key role throughout the match, orchestrating Lyon’s attacking manoeuvres.
However, it was Orban who sealed the victory with his clinical finish, capping off a memorable night for Lyon and their emerging talent from Nigeria.
Despite his recent success, Orban’s journey in France has seen its share of challenges.
Since joining Lyon in the winter transfer window from Gent, he has scored only two goals, with his first coming in the French Cup Round of 16 against Lille in February.
Yet, with perseverance and dedication, Orban continues to make strides, eager to leave his mark in French football.
As Lyon prepares for their upcoming clash against Nantes in Ligue 1, all eyes will be on the Nigerian youngster as he aims to build on his recent performance.
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