Onuachu and Paintsil shine as Genk trump Club Brugge

Onuachu and Paintsil celebrating a goal with their teammates

Onuachu and Paintsil shine as Genk trump Club Brugge

Faruq Ibrahim 15:57 - 08.01.2023

A goal for Onuachu, two assists for Paintsil, and a debut for Yira Sor contributed to Genk’s 3-1 defeat of Club Brugge.

Genk came back from a goal down to defeat Club Brugge 3-1 thanks to their complete second-half performance and the individual brilliance of their African stars.

Club Brugge rattled Genk by taking the lead in the 21st minute in front of Genk fans at the Cegeka Arena stadium in Genk city. However, Hans Vanekan’s strike was cancelled four minutes later by Carlos Cuesta after Joseph Paintsil put him through.

Paul Onuachu put Genk ahead in the second-half, before Club Brugge’s Abaka Sylla was given his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card for dissent, opening Brugge up to concede a third to Bryan Heynen.

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Scott Parker’s debut in charge of Cub Brugge came against the most difficult opponent, table-toppers Genk.

Club s new head coach Scott Parker pictured during a soccer match between KRC Genk and Club Brugge, Sunday 08 January 2023 in Genk
Club s new head coach Scott Parker pictured during a soccer match between KRC Genk and Club Brugge, Sunday 08 January 2023 in Genk

He did not have to do much in the way of motivating his men, as the chance to reduce the 12 points between themselves and Genk was enough motivation.

The game's stakes took it to its tipping point at several periods, as two yellow cards turned red, one for centre-back Sylla and the other for Genk’s coach, Wouter Vracken, who the referee also thought had too much to say.

Club s Abakar Sylla receives a red card from the referee during a soccer match between KRC Genk and Club Brugge, Sunday 08 January 2023 in Genk
Club s Abakar Sylla receives a red card from the referee during a soccer match between KRC Genk and Club Brugge, Sunday 08 January 2023 in Genk

Genk extend their lead on the chasing pack to 49 points, continuing their good form from last year.

Onuachu and Paintsil shine in Genk's win

Onuachu increases his own cushion at the top of the top scorers chart, whichhelps Genk extend their lead at the top of the Belgian Pro League.

His goal in the 67th minute off a Joseph Paintsil assist put his season tally at 14 goals, three better than the next best. 

Genk s Paul Onuachu celebrates after scoring during a soccer match between KRC Genk and Club Brugge, Sunday 08 January 2023 in Genk, on day 19 of the 2022-2023 Jupiler Pro League first division of the Belgian championship.
Genk s Paul Onuachu celebrates after scoring during a soccer match between KRC Genk and Club Brugge, Sunday 08 January 2023 in Genk, on day 19 of the 2022-2023 Jupiler Pro League first division of the Belgian championship.

Ghanaian Joseph Paintsil was in inspired form in the game, as his two assists helped Genk beat rival Club Brugge.

He assisted Carlos Cuesta's first goal for Genk, and in a West African link-up, he set up Onuachu for Genk's second.

Genk s Joseph Paintsil
Genk s Joseph Paintsil

The 24-year-old winger takes his assist tally to eight for the season; only his teammate Mike Tresor has more in the Belgian Pro League.  

Yira Sor makes his debut and Onyedika misses out

Nigerian forward Yira Sor came on in the 88th minute for his Genk debut.

He recently completed a €6.5 million move to Genk from Slavia Prague.

Club Brugge's Raphael Onyedika missed out on the game entirely after accumulating yellow cards that led to his suspension.

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