Gift Emmanuel Orban was on the scoresheet for Olympique Lyon in their crushing 7-0 win over Chassieu Décines at the Terrain d’honneur Gérard Houllier in Décines-Charpieu on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
With Alexander Lacazette away with France in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Orban was named in the starting eleven for Lyon as they filed out for their first preseason friendly.
It was soon clear that Lyon were miles ahead of their National 3 opposition as Johan Lepenant opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Orban doubled his side’s advantage six minutes later.
The Nigerian forward scored from the penalty spot, expertly locating the top corner with his kick, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Un penalty parfaitement tiré par Gift Orban, après un bon travail de Mama Baldé pour l’obtenir 💥🔴🔵
Suivez la rencontre sur #OLPLAY 👉 https://t.co/szeffqHUxE
2-0 #OLCDFC pic.twitter.com/AH2PR3DhTw
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) July 13, 2024
Further goals from Lepenant, Perret, Baldé, and Molebe (brace) made it a comfortable evening for Lyon and a forgettable one for their hosts, Chassieu Décines.
Orban, however, will hope it is the start of an excellent campaign for him.
The former KAA Gent star endured a difficult first six months in Lyon after joining for 12 million euros in January.
Orban scored only three goals in 16 appearances and struggled to find the form that made him the talk of the town in Belgium.
Thankfully, Lyon overcame a terrible start to the season to finish sixth in Ligue 1 and qualify for the Europa League.
Orban has beautiful memories of European competitions, netting five goals in five Europa Conference League games for Gent in the first half of last season.
The 21-year-old also holds the record for the fastest hat-trick in UEFA club competitions, breaking the previous record of six minutes and 12 seconds held by Mohammed Salah in the Champions League.