Antwerp overcame Genk 2-1 at home to take pole position in the race for the title. This result means that Antwerp overtake Genk to sit top of play-off one and give themselves a chance of winning the domestic double. Mark Van Bommel’s side have now won seven games in a row, conceding just two goals in those seven games.
Despite their defensive strength, Antwerp conceded first when Mark McKenzie converted a Mike Tresor corner. Jean Butez managed to keep out the American’s first header, but the 24-year-old made no mistake with his second attempt. Shortly after, the home side had the perfect chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty. However, top scorer Vincent Janssen saw his penalty saved by RB Leipzig bound Maarten Vandevoordt. Minutes away from half-time, Antwerp were awarded another penalty after a Bryan Heynen handball in the box. Toby Alderweireld was given the spot-kick, and he made no mistake to make it 1-1.
Shortly after half-time, Mujaid Sadick did not see Michel Ange Balikwisha behind him, and as the defender dallied on the ball, the 21-year-old winger dispossessed him to tap into an empty net.
The game ended in a tense manner, with Tresor and Aziz Mohammed both sent off within seconds of each other. This continued after the final whistle was blown.
Antwerp will face Union St Gilloise back to back in the next two games, while Genk will play Club Brugge in the same manner. The Great Old now know that if they win all their remaining games, they will be champions.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
