Zulte Waregem secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Genk at the Elindus Arena in the Jupiler Pro League's 21st round. The match, which remained goalless at halftime, came alive in the second half with a flurry of action. Genk initially took the lead through Aaron Bibout in the 74th minute, but Zulte Waregem responded with goals from Marley Aké in the 76th minute and Wilguens Paugain in the 86th minute to seal the win.
Second Half Sparks into Life
The first half was a cautious affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Genk's Matte Smets received a yellow card in the 40th minute, setting a tense tone. The second half, however, saw a tactical shift as Genk made three substitutions in the 66th minute, introducing fresh legs in an attempt to break the deadlock. Their efforts paid off when Bibout scored, assisted by Zakaria El Ouahdi.
Zulte Waregem's Resilient Comeback
Despite Genk's lead, Zulte Waregem showed resilience. Marley Aké equalized just two minutes after Genk's opener, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. The home side continued to press, and their persistence was rewarded when Paugain found the net in the 86th minute, turning the game on its head. Zulte Waregem's determination was evident as they outshot Genk with 22 attempts, 10 of which were on target.
Statistical Insights
Despite having only 39% possession, Zulte Waregem's attacking efficiency was key to their victory. They managed 10 shots on goal compared to Genk's 5, reflecting their aggressive approach. Anosike Ementa was instrumental, engaging in 15 duels and winning 9, while also contributing three key passes. Genk's passing accuracy stood at 88%, but their inability to convert possession into goals proved costly.
Looking Ahead
This victory marks a positive turn for Zulte Waregem, who had drawn their last two league matches. Their recent form suggests a team finding its stride, with players like Aké and Paugain stepping up at crucial moments. Genk, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly as they aim to improve their consistency in upcoming fixtures. The result leaves Zulte Waregem with renewed confidence as they look to climb the league standings.
