KAA Gent spectacularly qualified for the UEFA Conference League group stage on Thursday evening. The Buffaloes overturned a 2-1 deficit in the closing stages away at Hibernian to win 3-2.
Christian Burgess headed in the equaliser in the 82nd minute. In added time, an unfortunate own goal from Scottish defender Chaiwa sealed the victory for the Belgian side. Rik De Mil's team had been heading for a painful European exit with a quarter of an hour remaining.
De Mil kept the faith
Rik De Mil said afterwards that he kept believing in the win. "We were very solid in the first half and should have been 2-0 up at the break," the manager explained. "Efficiency remains a problem. Hibernian started the second half very strongly and we were too weak in the duels."
De Mil called the qualification a huge boost for the entire club. "It was very important to reach that competitive phase," he said. "It is also important for the growth of the players. I believe we can systematically have a good season."
Burgess keeps his cool
Goalkeeper Davy Roef kept Gent in the game earlier in the second half with a key save from Wright. Christian Burgess, who scored the equaliser, dismissed the idea of a miracle. "It was just a good match," the defender said. "When that 2-1 fell, I said to the guys: 'Stay calm, there is still time'."
Gent had almost made the perfect start. After four minutes, a goal from Vergara was disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper. Just before half-time, Vergara did make the difference with a sharp turning shot. Hibernian came back sharper after the break and Kerr headed in the equaliser. Passlack then put the Scots ahead, setting the stage for the Gent comeback.
The victory means Gent returns to a European group stage after a year's absence. It also ensures Belgium has five clubs in European football this season. The full standings of the Jupiler Pro League can be found here. The fixtures for the upcoming Conference League matches will be announced later. Rik De Mil's squad is available to view on the squad page.
Gent begins the Conference League group stage later this month.
