Two-goal hero Paul Onuachu shares thoughts on Genk’s tough win over Kortrijk

The Nigeria international powered the Smurfs to a narrow victory over the visitors on Saturday with a fine brace

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has shared his view on why Genk found it difficult to beat visiting Kortrijk by a wider margin at the Cegeka Arena on matchday eleven of the Belgian First Division A.

After opening his season account with his side’s first goal in the 2-1 triumph at KV Oostende last weekend, Onuachu followed it up with both goals in the 2-1 victory over Kortrijk on Saturday.

Easy first half

The Smurfs were the better team in the first half but missed several good chances.

Onuachu eventually handed the hosts the lead eight minutes before the break, heading home from a Trésor freekick when all else failed. The 1-0 scoreline, though, was flattering for Kortrijk, who conceded more.

“If we had gone into the locker room with 2-0 or 3-0, the job would have been done,” Onuachu told the media after the encounter.

“But in the end, we even needed a free kick to take the lead. A weapon, we train a lot on it. But we definitely should have scored a field goal. Now we kept the opponent in the match.”

Difficult second half

Kortrijk stunned league leaders Antwerp 2-1 last week on home soil to show they were not without quality following identical 4-1 losses to Anderlecht and Mechelen.

And that quality came to the fore shortly after the halftime break when Selemani grabbed the equaliser for the Adnan Custovic-managed side.

But Onuachu converted from the penalty spot in the 79th minute to earn all three points and a ninth win of the season for Genk.

“But this Kortrijk was won against Antwerp a week ago. Then you know this isn’t a bad team.

“Well, we didn’t panic easily. So we kept pushing and eventually, we were rewarded. You saw after the input of Nemeth and Samatta that new energy was released.

“The fact that I could score a second time, albeit from the penalty spot, is a bonus. I feel better week after week in this system. We will continue to cling to Antwerp. On to the next assignment.”

Genk, with the win, stayed second on the Belgian FDA table, two points behind Antwerp.

Wouter Vrancken’s men will trade tackles with OH Leuven and Westerlo before setting up a mouth-watering clash against high-flying Antwerp on October 23.