“Anthony Valencia broke the deadlock for Antwerp, finishing to give the hosts a deserved early lead following a corner-kick sequence.”
“Substitute Aaron Bibout scored almost immediately after coming on to make it 1-4, seemingly putting the result beyond any doubt and appearing to end the contest as a contest.”
Pivotal“Michael Frey stepped up and converted a penalty to make it 3-4, giving Antwerp a lifeline with just four minutes remaining and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.”
Pivotal“Michael Frey completed a stunning personal and collective comeback, scoring his second goal in two minutes to level at 4-4 and deny Genk what looked a certain victory just eight minutes earlier.”
Pivotal
Antwerp
Genk
Outstanding performance
Antwerp•AttackerAntwerp were left shell-shocked in the opening hour as Genk dismantled them with clinical efficiency, turning a 1-1 interval scoreline into a commanding 1-4 lead by the 70th minute. Rafiu Durosinmi, Ayumu Yokoyama, and substitute Aaron Bibout — who scored within seconds of entering the pitch — made Antwerp's afternoon look utterly hopeless. Yet what followed was remarkable. Eran Tuypens pulled one back on 80 minutes, Michael Frey converted a penalty on 86 to make it 3-4, and then the striker completed the most unlikely of rescues with a goal on 88 minutes to level at 4-4. Statistically, Genk edged possession and shots on target, but Antwerp's 16 attempts and 53 dangerous attacks tell the story of a side that refused to surrender. For Genk, this collapse will sting deeply — they were five minutes from a statement away victory and left with nothing.
How entertaining was this match?
Shot by Aaron Bibout with his left foot results in a goal.
Goal! Aaron Bibout scores, making it 1-4, assisted by Jerry Afriyie.
Shot from Aaron Bibout with his left foot results in a goal.
Shot! Aaron Bibout scores with a left-footed shot.
Shot! Aaron Bibout scores with a left-footed shot.
Goal! Aaron Bibout scores with an assist from Jerry Afriyie. The score is now 1-4.
On Jerry Afriyie, off Ayumu Yokoyama.
Aaron Bibout is substituted for Rafiu Durosinmi.
Modibo Fofana takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Ibrahima Sory Bangoura attempts a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Modibo Fofana takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
assist: Jeppe Erenbjerg
Ibrahima Sory Bangoura takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Ayumu Yokoyama takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
Goal! Rafiu Durosinmi scores, bringing the score to 1-2, assisted by Jeppe Erenbjerg.
Ayumu Yokoyama takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
Carlos Daniel Mejia Klinger is on, and Anthony Valencia is off.
Ibrahim Salah comes on for Luis Narh.
The first half ends with a score of 1-1.
Jeppe Erenbjerg takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
Shot by Zakaria El Ouahdi with his right foot is blocked.
Yellow card.
Anthony Valencia takes a left-footed shot that hits the post.
Anthony Valencia takes a left-footed shot that hits the post.
assist: Ibrahima Bangoura
Shot from Josue Ndenge Kongolo with his right foot results in a goal.
Bryan Heynen takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Goal! Josue Ndenge Kongolo scores to make it 1-1, assisted by Ibrahima Sory Bangoura.
Corner awarded.
Offside.
Offside.
assist: Christopher Scott
Goal! Anthony Valencia scores to make it 1-0.
Goal! Anthony Valencia scores to make it 1-0.
Goal! Anthony Valencia scores to make it 1-0.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Michael Frey takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Antwerp head into Saturday's Bosuilstadion showdown riding a perfect two-from-two start to the Pro League season, while Genk arrive needing a statement result after an inconsistent opening. With both teams capable of scoring and a fierce derby rivalry adding spice, this early-season clash has all the ingredients for a dramatic evening.
