Wouter Vrancken breathes a sigh of relief: Genk records an economical victory at Charleroi and does well for the Champions Play-Offs

Wouter Vrancken breathes a sigh of relief: Genk records an economical victory at Charleroi and does well for the Champions Play-Offs

KRC Genk has recorded a 0-1 victory on the field of Sporting Charleroi. The visitors dominated almost the entire match, but were only allowed to cheer after 71 minutes. The Limburgers thus move up to fifth place in the standings.

“The move to Charleroi is always daunting,” said Genk coach Vrancken before the match. And he was right. The last time the Genk team were able to win in the Stade du Pays de Charleroi dates back three years ago. The Limburgers still had to go all out for a ticket for the Champions Play-Offs. Vrancken counted on almost the same eleven as last week against RWDM. Ex-Carolo Kayembe was allowed to replace Sobol at left back. For the home team, coach Felice Mazzu had quite a few headaches in the fight against relegation. He introduced five new names at the kick-off with Bager, Dragsnes, Marcq, Bernier and Sylla.

Predominance for the visitors

The match started immediately with a few minutes delay, after both groups of supporters lit a lot of fireworks. Once the smoke had cleared, Vandamme whistled to start the first half. The home team was there for the first time in the opening phase. Bager sent Petris into the depths, who was only able to rush at Vandevoordt due to Genk’s mistakes in defense. However, the young goalkeeper made an easy save. After 13 minutes a similar phase, but Bernier’s cracked shot did not embarrass the visiting goalkeeper.

Photo: BELGIAN

From then on it was Genk that counted. First, winger Bonsu Baah was allowed to try from the second line, but his attempt went wide. Shortly afterwards, Charleroi goalkeeper Koffi had to take action on a scooped ball from El Khannous. On the half hour Bonsu Baah was allowed to try again from a distance, but again Koffi was alert. It was the final achievement of a tough first half. Both teams went into halftime with the score 0-0.

Identical game image after the break

Mazzu must undoubtedly have given his troops a big pep talk during halftime, because the Zebra’s came sharply from the dressing room. Knezevic just missed a good cross from Ilaimaharitra. But anyone who expected a dominating home team was wrong. Genk took complete control of the match again and almost took the lead after an excellent attempt by Hrosovsky. Coffee with an excellent foot reflex. Halfway through the second half, El Khannous hit the post, but the Limburgers were clearly having trouble finishing.

In minute 71 the visitors scored. Substitute Sor was able to easily kick the ball into the goal after an excellent cross from El Ouahdi. 0-1 and a deserved lead. But Charleroi clearly did not give up easily. Barely a minute later, Damien Marcq delivered an excellent ball, but the visiting goalkeeper responded with a nice parade.

The visitors tried to deepen the score, but were unable to do so. In the absolute final, Sor was almost on the scoreboard twice, but a cat jump from Koffi prevented that. Vrancken and co. are doing such a good thing with a view to the Champions Play-Offs, at Charleroi they see the relegation battle getting worse week after week.

Wouter Vrancken breathes a sigh of relief: Genk records an economical victory at Charleroi and does well for the Champions Play-Offs

Foto: Isosport

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