Zulte-Waregem 2–1 Genk | Pro League | 9 August 2026

Result Summary

In a compelling Pro League fixture at Zulte-Waregem, Michael Beale's side produced a stunning late comeback to overturn Genk's first-half lead and claim all three points. Rafiu Durosinmi's 39th-minute header gave Jess Thorup's visitors what appeared to be a deserved advantage, only for Zulte-Waregem to respond brilliantly in the closing stages through Marley Ake (82') and substitute Serxho Ujka (86'), sealing a 2–1 victory that will live long in the memory of the home support.

Match Analysis

The statistics paint a picture of a Genk side that dominated large portions of this contest without being able to convert that dominance into a winning result. Genk controlled 62% of possession, completed passes at a 90% success rate, and registered 128 attacks compared to Zulte-Waregem's 99. Yet, when it mattered most, it was the home side who proved more clinical.

The opening goal reflected Genk's period of control, with Junya Ito providing the assist for Durosinmi to power home a header just before the break — a fine combination that rewarded the visitors' superiority in the first half. Genk then saw the goalscorer withdrawn at the 61st minute, bringing on Aaron Bibout, a change that arguably disrupted their rhythm at a crucial stage of the game.

Zulte-Waregem, despite being second best on the ball, showed commendable resilience and a sharper edge in front of goal when opportunities arose. Their 5 shots on target to Genk's 3 tells a telling story of efficiency versus control. The home side also held the edge in corners, winning 6 to Genk's 3, providing additional set-piece threats as the game progressed.

Genk's frustration began to show in the final quarter. Josue Ndenge Kongolo was booked at 81', just moments before Ake drew the hosts level with a composed right-footed finish. The equaliser opened the floodgates: substitute Serxho Ujka, introduced at the 76th minute, then latched onto an assist from Anosike Ementa — who had himself been cautioned earlier in the second half — to fire home a left-footed winner at 86'. A frantic finale saw Christian Akpan and Yaimar Abel Medina Ortiz both booked for Genk as Thorup's side desperately chased an equaliser that never came. In total, Genk collected five yellow cards across the match, reflecting the mounting pressure and indiscipline that accompanied their collapse.

Prediction Review

Our pre-match analysis favoured Genk, forecasting a 1–2 away win with a 47% probability, against a 28% chance of a home victory. With a confidence score of just 54/100, uncertainty was already baked into the forecast — and so it proved. While Genk's statistical dominance aligned with our expectations, Zulte-Waregem's efficiency in the final third and their ability to find a winning goal from the substitutes' bench were factors that proved decisive. This result is a reminder that possession and attacking volume do not always translate into points.

Key Takeaways

• Zulte-Waregem's substitutions proved decisive — Ujka came off the bench to score the winner within ten minutes of entering the pitch.
• Genk's 62% possession yielded only one goal, highlighting a lack of clinical finishing that will concern Jess Thorup.
• Five yellow cards for Genk underline the disciplinary breakdown that often accompanies a team chasing a result.
• For Michael Beale's Zulte-Waregem, this comeback victory sends an early-season statement of intent.