In a Europa League Round of 16 game between two Belgian First Division A teams, Gent were beaten 5-2 by Racing Genk at the Ghelamco Arena on Thursday night.

There Nigerian stars Anderson Esiti, Samuel Kalu and Rabiu Ibrahim tasted game time, with the number 40 coming off the bench just before the start of the second half.

The visitors took the lead in the 21st minute thanks to Ruslan Malinovsky’s goal but Kalu whipped in a rebound shot after the ball had hit the crossbar on 27 minutes to restore parity for his team.

Literally, Gent defense went to sleep as they conceded three more goals before the intermission, and killed off any chance of a comeback in the second half.

A penalty was awarded to Gent in the 67th minute after Kalu was fouled in the box but Jeremy Perbet failed to convert from the spot.

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon was introduced in the 76th minute with the outcome of the game all but decided, while Esiti was dismissed in the closing minutes for a second bookable offense. 

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : kaagent.be