Conference League
The malaise at AA Gent has now also spread to Europe. In an empty AA Gent Arena, they did not get further than a 1-1 draw against a weak and ten-man Maccabi Haifa. After the 1-0 defeat in the first leg, Ghent was ingloriously eliminated from the Conference League.
Things keep going wrong for the Buffaloes. Now also European. After last week’s defeat in Budapest against Maccabi Haifa (1–0), they again failed to get past the Israeli. Too many players stayed below their level, especially in the first half. Things were better after the break, but there was a lack of efficiency again. Very painful to be eliminated by a team of this level.
The Buffaloes would have a dramatic start throughout the first half. Pierrot pushed through, Kandouss tried to block the Maccabi striker’s attempt, but the ball arced over Roef’s head and into the goal. It would take fifteen minutes before AA Gent came close to Keouf. Kandouss saw his attempt land wide. Samoise was also allowed to try, but that too was in the image of the home team in the first half: insufficient and wide.
Then nothing happened for fifteen minutes. Watanabe headed onto the roof of the goal and with the next danger, peace was already near. Tissoudali, still looking for himself, kicked between the posts for the first time on behalf of AA Gent. Khalaili also did something for Maccabi. His shot went over.
Although the emergency was dire, Vanhaezebrouck did not intervene during halftime. Things went from bad to worse. Watanabe almost beat his own goalkeeper. Fortunately, Maccabi Haifa also started to mess up on the rebounding ball.
Plenty of opportunities
The Ghent trainer replaced Depoitre and the injured Samoise for the youngsters Sonko and De Vlieger. Just before, Tissoudali had shot over rashly after a good cutting movement. Sonko immediately showed his value and placed the second Ghent attempt between the posts. An easy ball again for Keouf.
The game gained some momentum and Tissoudali came face to face with the Israeli goalkeeper. The Moroccan, who was promoted to captain, did not get past it. It did give the rush hour a boost. Once again he encountered Keouf and his second attempt was cleared off the line. On a fifth attempt, Tissoudali was finally rewarded. With the help of former Antwerp defender Seck who deflected his cross into his own goal.
Things became even brighter for Ghent when Sundgren was excluded with a second yellow card after 70 minutes. Maccabi Haifa couldn’t get out at all now, but there was no longer much danger. AA Gent camped in the opponent’s half, but the Buffaloes did not get further than a shot from substitute De Vlieger (over), Sonko (stopped by Keouf) and Gandelman (header).
AA GENT-MACCABI HAIFA1–1Doel Point: 4′ Pierrot 0-1; 69′ Sec (and) 1-1
