Verschaeren guides Anderlecht to a 2-0 win

GAMES Anderlecht deservedly won with 2-0 against Genk. It scored twice in the third quarter. Verschaeren played an important role in both attacks. After the break, the purple and white team went downhill a bit, but never got into trouble against a weak Genk.


Despite playing at a fairly high tempo almost from the start, this did not result in any chances. Anderlecht did show some nice combinations, but they couldn't get into the zone of truth. Genk had the most ball possession and it had the upper hand, but it wasn't really dangerous.

Just after the half hour mark Verschaeren tapped Kouamé deep. The Ivorian deflected against Vandevoordt, but Ashimeru followed closely. With some luck, he got the ball at his feet, but stayed very calm to put the 1-0 in goal. The goal gave Anderlecht confidence. Verschaeren changed wings a few minutes later. Cullen's cross was headed in by Kouamé and Verschaeren doubled the lead. Not long before the halftime signal Kouamé kicked just wide.

Genk had to take more risks after the break. When Murillo was high up, Bongonda got a lot of space, but his shot landed just wide. Just before the hour, Onuacho headed just wide. Anderlecht was too sloppy to let a few attacks result in concrete danger. Kompany brought Raman and Ait El Hadj off the bench for Refaelov and Zirkzee, who were invisible tonight.

 Anderlecht came close to making it 3-0 in minute 64'. Murillo hit the post via Vandevoordt. At Genk, wingers Bongonda and Ito were substituted. With still fifteen minutes to play, Anderlecht had to be careful not to let Genk push them back too far. Anderlecht themselves were having a hard time putting together an attack. With ten minutes to go, Arteaga was sent off with a red card after hitting Kouamé's calf. Anderlecht almost immediately took advantage of the man advantage, but substitute Amuzu headed against the crossbar on a cross from Raman. That was the last danger of the match.

Anderlecht took three important points thanks to a strong third quarter in which they were efficient. After the break, the purple and white team went down a bit after an hour, but defensively they kept their footing. Next week, the difficult away match against OHL awaits, while Bruges and Antwerp take on each other one day later.

Score: 2-0
Goal(s): 1-0 Ashimeru 35', 2-0 Verschaeren 40'

Anderlecht:Van Crombrugge, Murillo, Debast, Hoedt, Gomez, Cullen, Ashimeru (Olsson 79'), Refaelov (Ait El Hadj 59'), Verschaeren (Amuzu 83'), Zirkzee (Raman 59'), Kouamé
Racing Genk: Vandevoordt, McKenzie (Lucumi 46'), Arteaga, Cuesta, Muñoz (Trésor 76'), Heynen, Hrosovsky, Thorsvedt, Ito (Preciado 67'), Bongonda (Oyen 67'), Onuachu

Yellow: Cuesta 8', Ashimeru 18', Onuachu 37', Verschaeren 38', Murillo 43', Kouamé 74'
Red: Arteaga 83'

Referee: Bram Van Driessche
Stadium: Lotto Park