The first goal of the early season has been achieved for AA Gent. The Buffalos booked a deserved qualification for the groups of the Conference League against the Polish Rakow Czestochowa. Thanks to Odjidja, Depoitre and yes, even a scoring Tissoudali.
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A wave of illumination swept through the Ghelamco Arena. The board heaved a sigh, the fans who had followed their coach’s call went on the benches. And Tarik Tissoudali, who felt his heart fill with a warm glow. In that one extra minute of the first half, the heavens opened up for a moment. Finally pay for work for the Buffalos. Finally also Tissoudali who finished an imposed chance. A special footballer, that Amsterdammer. He pulls balls out of the air as if he were picking cherries, drags balls under his sole that irrevocably tangles opponents and is always on the move. Annoying to play against but sometimes not easy for his mates. Because he doesn’t always see the best solution. And because he still needs too many chances to score.
Also against Rakow Czestochowa. Again. The first half initially looked like a copy of the first leg. Again the Polish trotters started furiously, Okumu again played with fire in the build-up, again danger came from a standard situation. Bolat’s save from Rundic’s attempt – in the first (!) minute – was immediately vital. The Ghent goalie had less trouble on a shot from Cebula.
The Polish storm died down faster than a week ago. AA Gent forced corner after corner, but the greatest danger came from quick counter-pricks after Rakow lost the ball. And yes, then there is always Tissoudali. Wonderful how he cut out his opponent, almost incomprehensible how he once again aimed at goalkeeper Kovacevic. Again, it seemed to be a copy of the first leg. A minute later there was Tissoudali again, with a cracked shot that went wide.
Depositre confirms
Also very strong, just like a week ago: Laurent Depoitre. As long as he is top fit – a question mark for the last two years – AA Gent will have enough of him as a target man. That is no superfluous luxury because Lemajic – whose physical tests were disappointing, not his medical – still needs training. The Beast ducked into the corners, fought a fierce battle with Rakow captain Niewulis and scored in no time. The return leg did differ from the first leg in this: under the direction of Vadis Odjidja, AA Gent pushed the Polish vice champion back and opportunities were created more smoothly.
Goalkeeper Kovacevic was forced to a save by Depoitre on three occasions. After the second, a fine header to the far post, Depoitre frowned. After the third, on an excellent deep pass from Ngadeu, he shook his head. Not again, like in that first leg? No, not. Because moments later the ball came to the far post of a sober playing Sven Kums. Depoitre accepted, scored well and Tissoudali scored the 1-0. He does make a ball test that doesn’t require thinking about. AA Gent is already on roses.
Odjidja does it
Hjulsager stayed inside at halftime, ahead of De Sart. As a result, Odjidja moved up a row and that turned out to be a golden move. Because AA Gent dominated after the break against the Poles, there was no danger of goal. The match was in a slump. Until Kums again gave a cross pass to Depoitre. That beat Odjidja who almost laconic, out of nowhere, curled the 2-0 into goal with the left. The captain of AA Gent, celebrated and feared in Poland, took his responsibility. When the incoming De Sart scored 3-0 moments later, the ticket for the group stage was completely in. Okumu and substitute Chakvetadze left even wider figures.
This is how AA Gent closes a long catch-up race in brilliance. When Vanhaezebrouck was appointed in December last year, a play-off ticket seemed far away, let alone a ticket for Europe. The fact that AA Gent finished fifth was already a success, but still had to survive three rounds to get into the group stage of the Conference League. Given the opposition – also from Rakow Czestochowa – AA Gent was obliged to do so, but in the past year things went wrong so often that it was always necessary to speak with two words. Now it’s time for the second goal: to dot the i’s in the competition. With Sunday already the clapper against Club Brugge.
– Photo: BELGA
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