Genk became the eighth and final club to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Croky Cup on Wednesday evening when they beat RSC Anderlecht 1-0 after extra time at the Cegeka Arena.
It was Brian Riemer’s first official match on the Anderlecht bench, but it was not a dream start for the Danish manager, who was previously the assistant manager at Premier League side Brentford. Jan Vertonghen, back from the World Cup, almost opened the score with a sequence of moves but Vandevoordt closed the angle.
In the first half, Trésor created a chance for Genk, but he failed to score from a one-on-one situation (30th). Anderlecht played a fast and energetic game under their new coach, but failed to finish their chances.
Anderlecht's new coach Brian Riemer pictured after a game between KRC Genk and RSC Anderlecht, Wednesday 21 December 2022. Credit: Belga / Virginie Lefour
Murillo had the best chance in the second half, but Vandevoordt was once again unable to stop his cross-shot (68th) after Amuzu had sent him through on goal.
With no goals in regulation time, the two teams headed for extra time to settle the score. Paintsil took advantage of a through ball to Samatta to surprise the defence and shoot past Van Crombrugge (1-0, 95′). Vandevoordt was again the best player in the game, beating Ait El Hadj (103rd) and Ashimeru (120th+1st) to preserve the lead against the Mauves.
Sint-Truiden stun Club Brugge 1-4
Genk join Sint-Truidense (STVV) who stunned Club Brugge 1-4 in the biggest upset of the round earlier on Wednesday evening.
Club's goalkeeper Simon Mignolet looks dejected against STVV. Credit: Bruno Fahy / Belga
Brugge did take the lead after 17 minutes at the Jan Breydel stadium through its Dutch World Cup international Noa Lang, who rounded off a nice individual move. The game was to turn on its head after a mistake by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, with visitors levelling with Christian Brüls for 1-1.
After the break, Brugge again took control of the game but it was the Truienaars who were to celebrate next.
In the 62nd minute, Gianni Bruno kicked through Brandon Mechele's back to put the Canaries up 1-2. Barely seven minutes later Brugge were two goals down after a goal by Daichi Hayashi, and in the closing stages, Bruno made it a night to remember for the visitors to make it 1-4 against the reigning Belgian champions.
The league champions' head coach Carl Hoefkens now looks set to be fired by the club's board, with recently departed Red Devils coach Roberto Martinez among those rumoured to replace him.
STVV's players celebrate after winning against Club Brugge and Sint-Truidense VV, Wednesday 21 December 2022 in Brugge. Credit: Belga / Kurt Desplenter
In other game of the night, Zulte Waregem came back late to win against Deinze 1-2.
The winning sides join Union Saint-Gilloise, Mechelen, Kortrijk, Gent and Antwerp, who had already secured their ticket for the next round on Tuesday.
