Genk were finally able to celebrate victory in 2024 on Saturday afternoon. Despite going 1-0 within the opening five minutes to relegation threatened RWDM, the side rallied to win 3-1 and move back into the top six for the time being. The comeback was led by Moroccan teenager Bilal El Khannous.
RWDM, under new head coach Bruno Irles, got off to a perfect start when Carlos Alberto gave the side an early lead. The 21-year-old Brazilian has now scored two goals since joining on loan from Botafogo in January. It took the home side just under 20 minutes to respond. El Khannous’ set piece was met by the head of Tolu Arokodare to draw the sides level. The Moroccan then linked up with another youngster in Luca Oyen to turn the game around completely.
🅰️² | Bilal El Khannouss gidst KRC Genk met twee assists naar eerste zege van 2024! 🧠🇲🇦 #GNKRWD pic.twitter.com/XQiQfuleRi
— Eleven Belgium (NL) (@ElevenBeNL) February 18, 2024
Genk had plenty of chances to extend their lead, but were also thankful that Maarten Vandevoordt was in good form, making four saves to deny the visitors. Another Moroccan got in on the assisting act late on, with Zakaria El Ouahdi punishing his former club to set up Andi Zeqiri to make it 3-1 late on.
RWDM now enter a crucial period in their season. If they want to avoid finishing in the bottom four, they will surely have to win their next two games against fellow strugglers OH Leuven and Kortrijk.
