The Nigeria international scored his first Belgian topflight goal of the 2021-22 campaign as the Smurfs silenced the Guys
Paul Onuachu registered his first goal of the Belgian topflight as Genk secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Kortrijk on Saturday.
Having missed the Smurfs’ 4-3 defeat KV Oostende in their last outing, the towering striker was included in the starting XI by manager John van den Brom.
He did not disappoint as he inspired the Champions League campaigner to their first away win of the 2021-22 season.
Luka Elsner’s Guys came into the league fixture having won their last two games. It took them just 18 minutes to go in front at the Guldensporenstadion thanks to Teddy Chevalier.
The Frenchman was well-positioned to head Lucas Rougeaux’s cross past goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt
Citing the dangers ahead, Genk quickly regained ball possession and probed their hosts’ backline, but they were unable to score as Onuachu and Theo Bongonda were denied by impressive goalkeeper Marko Ilic.
Bryan Heynen presented Kristian Thorstvedt with a chance to score but the Norwegian midfielder fluffed the opportunity – which was the visiting side’s best chance of the first 45 minutes.
Genk came out stronger in the second half and got the leveller through their Nigerian import, Onuachu in the 52nd minute. The 27-year-old’s headed home a well-taken corner kick from Mike Tresor past Ilic.
Victory was sealed in the game’s closing seconds Daniel Munoz tapped in a ball from close range after a corner from Tresor.
With that, Van der Brom’s men secured their first three points of the ongoing campaign.
After an impressive shift, Onuachu was substituted for compatriot Cyriel Dessers with three minutes left on the clock while DR Congo Bogonda was in action from start to finish.
Whereas, Kelvin John (Tanzania), Eboue Kouassi (Cote d’Ivoire), Joseph Paintsil (Ghana) and Stephen Odey (Nigeria) were not dressed for action.
Comoros’ Faiz Selemani played all minutes for Kortrijk with Ghana’s Eric Ocansey replacing Marlos Moreno in the 66th minute. However, Pape Habib Gueye (Senegal), Muhammed Badamosi (Gambia) and Sambou Sissoko played no role in the game.
Lifted by this result, Onuachu and his teammates would travel to Ukraine with the ambition of shocking Shakhtar Donetsk in Tuesday’s second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round.
The first leg played at the Luminus Arena ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Belgians.
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