Paul Onuachu is now two goals short of matching Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski's tally for the 2020-2021 season after finding the net for Racing Genk in their 1-1 draw with Gent in a Belgian First Division A clash on Thursday night.

The Nigeria national teamer opened the scoring at the Luminus Arena after heading home a free-kick from Bongonda in the seventh minute, his 20th league goal of the season , two less than the current Best FIFA Men's Player and leading scorer in the European Leagues, Lewandowski.

In a tactical substitution by manager John van den Brom, Onuachu made way for Kristian Thorstvedt in the 31st minute.

Prior to his substitution, Racing Genk shot themselves in the foot after Carlos Cuesta was shown a straight red card in the 12th minute and the visitors found themselves level through Roman Yaremchuk in first half stoppage time.

Theo Bongonda was handed penalty-taking duties as Onuachu was not on the pitch but the former Belgium U21 international missed from the spot in the 68th minute. 

The Super Eagles striker is aiming to become the third Nigerian player to be crowned top scorer in the Belgian top-flight after Tosin Dosunmu and Joseph Akpala won the accolade in the 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 season respectively.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel