Tolu Arokodare delivered a standout performance for KRC Genk, netting his second brace of the season to secure a pulsating 2-2 draw against Royal Antwerp at the Bosuilstadion in Deurne on Boxing Day.
The top-of-the-table clash between leaders Genk and fourth-placed Antwerp lived up to expectations, with thrilling end-to-end action and a share of the spoils.
Dutch forward Gyrano Kerk opened the scoring for the hosts in the ninth minute, latching onto a perfectly placed cross from Ghanaian international Denis Odoi to put Antwerp ahead.
However, Genk’s talisman Arokodare wasted no time in leveling the score three minutes later, smashing a low drive into the bottom left corner to register his 12th league goal of the season.
Antwerp reclaimed the lead in the 32nd minute as Kerk completed his brace, capitalizing on a pinpoint through ball from Tjaronn Chery to beat Genk goalkeeper Hendrik Van Crombrugge.
Tolu Arokodare @toluarokodare vs RSC Anderlecht | Goal & Assist | Super Eagles bound? pic.twitter.com/MDQCXU3Uhn
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Genk had chances to restore parity before halftime, with Nigeria-descended Noah Adedeji-Sternberg and Arokodare both coming close. Despite their efforts, the visitors entered the break trailing.
The duo would make amends shortly after the restart. Adedeji-Sternberg turned provider, threading a perfect pass to Arokodare, who made no mistake with a composed left-footed finish past Antwerp keeper Senne Lammens.
The goal not only salvaged a point for Genk but also propelled Arokodare to the top of the Belgian Pro League scoring chart with 13 goals, surpassing Anderlecht’s Kasper Dolberg.
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Arokodare’s impressive tally highlights his growth this season. He has already exceeded the 12 goals he managed last campaign and is edging closer to his career-best of 15 goals, set during his time at Latvian side Valmiera in 2020.
