English-Ghanaian striker Daniel Adu-Adjei bagged a first-half treble to fire HNK Rijeka into the next round of the Croatian Cup.
English-Ghanaian forward Daniel Adu-Adjei produced a statement performance on October 20, scoring a first-half hat-trick as HNK Rijeka eased past NK Karlovac 1919 4-1 in the Croatian Cup round of 16.
Adu-Adjei needed just 14 minutes to open the scoring, finishing off an assist from Tiago Dantas. He doubled his tally in the 23rd minute after a pass from Ante Oreč, then completed his treble in the 41st minute from a Branko Pavić delivery. Rijeka went into the break 3-0 up and firmly in control.
Karlovac found a way back into the game briefly when Luka Kapulica pulled one back in the 76th minute, but the hosts responded quickly. Mohammad Mohebi restored the three-goal cushion five minutes later, set up by Amer Gojak. Rijeka also held the edge in possession and shots on target throughout.
The fans knew who stood out, voting Adu-Adjei player of the match with 77% of the vote. He was replaced by Ante Matej Jurić in the 83rd minute to a deserved reception after an outstanding attacking display.
Rijeka now turn their attention to the league, where they face Dinamo in the HNL on October 27.
