Nigerian striker Gift Orban found the back of the net three times in Gent’s 3-2 win over Icelandic side Breidablik in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.
The 21-year-old former Stabaek forward opened the scoring for his Belgian side in the sixth minute for his third goal in as many matches. He made a darting run into the box before latching onto a sublime pass from Pieter Gerkens and heading the ball past the goalkeeper.
FT 2-3 | 3x Orban, 3 points #BreGnt #UECL pic.twitter.com/jBp5W4jw9w
— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) November 9, 2023
Orban’s opener did not last for long as Iceland international Jason Svanthorsson cancelled out Gent’s lead to draw the home team level within ten minutes of the former’s effort.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder completed the turn-around for Breidablik two minutes later with a deft finish in the 18th minute for his first two goals in the competition.
Orban, however, would not back down as he continued to bring Gent back to life, and his 54th-minute penalty helped the away side draw level with plenty of time on the clock.
HATTRICK BOY ????
Gift ???? Tarik#BreGnt #UECL pic.twitter.com/ZHKiknrEsg
— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) November 9, 2023
The Nigerian completed the comeback for the 2014-15 Belgian Pro League champions in the 69th minute to make it his fifth hat-trick in ten months for the side, having scored three in a game against Zulte Waregem, Istanbul Basaksehir, Cercle Brugge, and Pogon Szczecin.
The result means Gent remain unbeaten in the group stage so far and helps them maintain their position at the top of Group B with ten points after three wins and a draw.
