Europa League: Sadiq Umar struck twice in Partizan Belgrade's Away Victory

Nigeria striker Umar Sadiq bagged a brace for Partizan Beograd who edged FC Astana 2-1 in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

The Rio 2016 Bronze winning striker registered the goals in the 29th and 73rd minutes respectively at Astana Stadium.

He was also denied a hat-trick ten minutes from time when his third strike o the night was disallowed.

Sadiq, 22, got the opener shortly before the half-hour mark, firing a right-footed shot past Astana goalie Nenad Eric.

He made it 2-0 to the visitors in the 73rd minute after a pass from team-mate Bibras Natkho.

Runar Mar Sigurjonsson got one back for the hosts with five minutes left but Partizan held on in Nur-Sultan.

Sadiq joined the eight-time Serbian League champions on a season-long loan and the agreement between Roma and Partizan Belgrade includes an option to buy the striker outright at the end of the 2019-2020 season.

So much was expected from Sadiq when he arrived at AS Roma from Spezia in 2015 but he has found it difficult breaking into the first team, making only six appearances in all competitions. 

The 22-year-old is on his sixth loan spell as he was previously loaned out to Bologna, Torino, NAC Breda, Glasgow Rangers and Perugia.

Sadiq has scored eight goals in 14 appearances for the Belgrade outfit this season.

By Olamide Oyetunji