The Algeria forward stood out as the hero for David Moyes’ side with two second-half goals that earned them an away draw
Said Benrahma scored a brace for West Ham United in their 2-2 draw with Paul Onuachu’s Genk in a Uefa Europa League encounter on Thursday.
Ghana’s Joseph Paintsil gave the Belgian First Division A club an early lead with his fourth-minute opener that separated both teams in the first-half.
Benrahma equalised for the visitors in the 59th minute and later put them ahead after he converted Aaron Cresswell’s assist, with eight minutes left on the clock.
The Algerian gave the Hammers hopes of getting their fourth straight win in Group H, but it was dashed after Tomas Soucek scored an own goal in the 87th minute.
Benrahma’s brillance at the Cegeka Arena made him the first West Ham United player to score a brace in a major European competition since David Cross’ hat-trick against Real Madrid Castilla in the Cup Winners’ Cup in October 1980.
It also made him surpass his tally in his debut 2020-21 season at West Ham United. The 26-year-old has now contributed six goals and three assists in 15 appearances for the Hammers this term.
Nigeria’s Onuachu played from start to finish for Genk, but he could not add to his tally of a goal after four appearances in the Europa League this campaign.
Despite the dropped points, the Hammers remain at the summit of Group H with 10 points after four matches. They lead second-placed Genk by six points, with two games left to play for.
Declan Rice, meanwhile, hailed the impact of his Algerian teammate Said Benrahma and he also praised him for his ‘unbelievable’ qualities.
“I’ve been with Said [Benrahma] for over a year now and I know what he can do. I’m always on at him to keep doing what he’s doing on the pitch – keep expressing himself and keep having the fun that he has,” Rice told the club’s website.
“Tonight you can see the fun he had, he bailed us out with his two goals and he’s an unbelievable player.”
West Ham will now turn their attention to Sunday’s Premier League game against Liverpool at the London Stadium, before they visit Rapid Wien for their next Europa League fixture on November 25.
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