Dirk Kuyt's struggles as Beerschot manager deepened on Friday night as his team slumped to a 2-0 defeat against OH Leuven in the Belgian Pro League, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigerian forward Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi was the star of the show, netting both goals to condemn Beerschot to another painful setback.
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The former Flying Eagles attacker delivered a masterclass at the King Power at Den Dreef Stadion, dealing a significant blow to Kuyt’s hopes of reviving his side's dismal season.
Despite winning just two of their 20 league matches this term, Beerschot had shown signs of resilience, drawing their last two games. However, that fragile momentum evaporated against Leuven.
Kuyt, appointed in December 2023, would have been pleased with his team's defensive discipline, which held firm for 70-odd minutes.
But the breakthrough came in the 76th minute when Ikwuemesi latched onto a Hamza Mendyl assist to drill a low shot into the bottom right corner.
The 23-year-old forward sealed the win ten minutes later, expertly finishing with his right foot into the bottom left corner.
This marks Ikwuemesi's second brace of the season, having also struck twice in Leuven’s 2-0 victory over Sporting Charleroi in October.
Since joining from Salernitana in the summer, Ikwuemesi has scored four goals in 19 league appearances. His efforts have propelled Leuven to 11th place in the Jupiler Pro League standings, with 25 points from 20 games.
For Liverpool legend Kuyt, the outlook is grim. Beerschot remain rooted to the bottom of the table, 11 points adrift of safety, with relegation looming large.
Plumptre Impresses in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Nigeria international Ashleigh Plumptre played a pivotal role in Al Ittihad’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Eastern Flames in the Women's Premier League.
The defender capped an excellent performance with an assist for Lili Iskandar's 62nd-minute goal, sealing a dominant win at the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium in Jeddah.
Sunday Emmanuel the Hero in Bangladesh
Elsewhere, Sunday Emmanuel shone for Mohammedan Dhaka in the Bangladesh Premier League, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 triumph over Fortis.
The Nigerian forward found the net in the 17th minute after a clever assist from Ghana's Ernest Boateng.
Emmanuel has now netted three goals in five league matches this season, equaling his tally from 17 games last term.
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