February 17, (THEWILL) – Genk continued their winning momentum as they smashed rivals KV Mechelen 4-1 at the Cegeka Arena, with Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu scoring his 15th league goal of the season.
Last Sunday, the Belgian Cup champions’ European hopes were dashed after losing 2-1 to Leuven at home. But they did, however, redeem themselves against KV Mechelen, a fellow European contender. The visitors had a three-game winning streak snapped, but the Smurfs ended it.
On an assist from Tresor Ndayishimiye, Genk attacker Lucas Oyen put his side ahead just five minutes after kickoff with a crisp finish behind KV Mechelen goalie Couke.
Genk’s night was made even better when Thibault Peyre was sent off in the 25th minute after receiving a straight red card. Genk, on the other hand, took advantage of their visitors’ one-man disadvantage in the second half.
Before then, KV Mechelen equalised just after the break to the joy of their travelling fans. But, Genk answered in the 66th minute with a goal from Saddick to make it 2-1.
Theo Bongonda made it three for the Smurfs before Onuachu struck the final nail in KV Mechelen’s coffin in the 86th minute.
Onuachu had 28 touches and a pass accuracy of 75% in the game. He had an opportunity earlier in the game that he had missed, but his late goal spared him from embarrassment. He was taken off for Ouattara Mohammed almost immediately after scoring.
With the win, Genk climbs to eighth place in the Jupiler League table, securing the final Europa Conference League playoff slot.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
