KAA Gent were held to a 1-1 draw away at Genk on Saturday, a result shaped by a red card and a series of key saves from goalkeeper Davy Roef. Hein Vanhaezebrouck's side took an early lead through Momodou Sonko but let the victory slip from their grasp in the second half.
Roef, who made vital stops after the break from efforts by Erenbjerg and Tahirovic, referenced the intense battle afterwards. "Was this a real war, he was a spy agency on his own," the keeper said, pointing to the pressing work of teammate Tibe De Vlieger. De Vlieger was rated a 6 and provided the assist for the equaliser, but his biggest impact, according to Roef, was in disrupting Genk's build-up play.
The defence struggled, particularly on the right flank where Kyrell Wilson was rated a 4. The defender lost possession leading to the equalising goal and later received a second yellow card after a failed control. In the centre, Christian Burgess and Siebe Van Der Heyden held firm; Van Der Heyden was compared to St. Bavo's Cathedral for his solid performance.
In attack, Sonko provided the highlight with his goal, while El Bachir Ngom operated as a revelation on the wing. The substitutions around the 80-minute mark, including the departure of Michel-Ange Balikwisha, brought little new impetus. Leonardo Lopes Da Silva had already been substituted after 55 minutes and also saw red for a reckless challenge.
The draw means Gent, second in the Jupiler Pro League with 16 points from 6 games, extends their unbeaten league run to five matches. The team reflected on a strong recent sequence with victories against Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge, but could not hold onto their early lead against Genk. The full standings show how the Buffaloes maintain touch with the leaders.
Next Saturday brings a home fixture against Standard Liege, who currently sit sixth. The last meeting, in January, ended in a 0-4 victory for Gent. The squad will have to manage without the injured Matisse Samoise, limiting options in midfield. Fans can follow the preparations and the current squad lineup in the build-up to that important home clash.
Read the full report at hbvl.be
On September 17, coach Rik De Mil reacted to the 1-1 draw at Genk. De Mil said he was never concerned with the maximum points tally. "We absolutely wanted the win, but taking a point in Genk is ok," stated the coach. He emphasized that the team played good, polished football for the first 35 minutes but became sloppy afterwards. Gent, second with 16 points from 6 games, must maintain that level longer to win, according to De Mil.
On September 17, the club confirmed the assist for Gent's goal against Genk. The club said Tiago Araújo provided the cross for Momodou Sonko's opening goal in the 10th minute. Gent, second in the Jupiler Pro League with 16 points from 6 games, plays at home against Standard Liege on Saturday.
On September 17, the club confirmed the lineup for the home match against Standard Liege. The club based it on the last starting eleven against Genk. Gent, second in the Jupiler Pro League with 16 points from 6 games, is unbeaten in its last five league matches. The team plays at home against Standard Liege, which is sixth, on Saturday.
