KAA Gent have bolstered their attack with the signing of Michel-Ange Balikwisha and secured a crucial league victory over Club Brugge. The Buffaloes sit fourth in the Jupiler Pro League with nine points from three games, just three points behind leaders Charleroi.
Who is Gent's new signing?
According to Voetbalkrant.com, KAA Gent have signed 25-year-old Belgian winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha on a season-long loan from Celtic. The deal includes an option to buy. Balikwisha returns to Belgium after a less successful spell in Scotland but is familiar with the league from his time at Standard, Antwerp and Club Brugge.
Coach Rik De Mil expressed his satisfaction with the arrival of the experienced player. "Balikwisha is an experienced player who knows the Belgian league well." De Mil told Voetbalkrant.com. Sporting director Kjeld Fort highlighted the player's versatility and speed as key assets.
How did Gent beat Club Brugge?
On Sunday, Gent defeated Club Brugge 2-1 at the Planet Group Arena, as reported by Lokaalnieuws.online. Josué Vergara put the hosts ahead in the 38th minute, but Hans Vanaken equalised two minutes later for the visitors. The match turned after a red card for Club Brugge's Carlos Forbs in the 70th minute.
Ibrahima Cissé headed in the winning goal in the 85th minute from a Matties Volckaert assist. Cissé also received a red card in stoppage time. The victory marks Club Brugge's first defeat of the season. Gent defended their perfect start and sit firmly in the top four with six goals scored and two conceded.
What did De Mil say after the win?
In comments to HLN Voetbal, coach Rik De Mil stated his team must now confirm their form. "We had a conversation that we now need to confirm." said the coach. He pointed to the positive pressure the team is experiencing after European qualification and the win.
De Mil stressed that the next step is consistency in performances. The upcoming catch-up match against OH Leuven provides an immediate opportunity to show that. The coach will have Balikwisha available for selection.
How did Club Brugge react to the defeat?
Club Brugge coach Ivan Leko stated on the club's website that his team showed too little killer instinct. "We had the ball and control, but we did too little with it. By being too nice and friendly, you don't win matches," analysed Leko. He praised Gent for their humble and effective play.
Captain Hans Vanaken, named Man of the Match, acknowledged his team created too little danger. He regretted the red card for Forbs but said the team must learn from it. Club Brugge remain in the upper reaches of the table with nine points.
What does the Conference League draw mean for Gent?
VoetbalNieuws.be reported that Gent and STVV will defend Belgian honour in the League Phase of the Conference League. The draw for the group stage takes place on Friday. Gent qualified through three successful preliminary rounds against LNZ Cherkasy, IFK Göteborg and Hibernian.
The European campaign adds to a busy schedule. For the next match against Cercle Brugge on September 6th, Gent may have to cope without the injured Hyllarion Goore and Matisse Samoise. The current status of the squad can be followed on our squad and injuries pages. The next away fixture is against Cercle Brugge, who currently sit thirteenth.
