Onuachu and Paintsil shine as Genk trump Club Brugge

Genk came back from a goal down to defeat Club Brugge 3-1 thanks to their complete second-half performance and the individual brilliance of their African stars.

Club Brugge rattled Genk by taking the lead in the 21st minute in front of Genk fans at the Cegeka Arena stadium in Genk city. However, Hans Vanekan’s strike was cancelled four minutes later by Carlos Cuesta after Joseph Paintsil put him through.

Paul Onuachu put Genk ahead in the second-half, before Club Brugge’s Abaka Sylla was given his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card for dissent, opening Brugge up to concede a third to Bryan Heynen.

Scott Parker’s debut in charge of Cub Brugge came against the most difficult opponent, table-toppers Genk.

He did not have to do much in the way of motivating his men, as the chance to reduce the 12 points between themselves and Genk was enough motivation.

The game's stakes took it to its tipping point at several periods, as two yellow cards turned red, one for centre-back Sylla and the other for Genk’s coach, Wouter Vracken, who the referee also thought had too much to say.

Genk extend their lead on the chasing pack to 49 points, continuing their good form from last year.

Onuachu increases his own cushion at the top of the top scorers chart, whichhelps Genk extend their lead at the top of the Belgian Pro League.

His goal in the 67th minute off a Joseph Paintsil assist put his season tally at 14 goals, three better than the next best. 

Ghanaian Joseph Paintsil was in inspired form in the game, as his two assists helped Genk beat rival Club Brugge.

He assisted Carlos Cuesta's first goal for Genk, and in a West African link-up, he set up Onuachu for Genk's second.

The 24-year-old winger takes his assist tally to eight for the season; only his teammate Mike Tresor has more in the Belgian Pro League.  

Nigerian forward Yira Sor came on in the 88th minute for his Genk debut.

He recently completed a €6.5 million move to Genk from Slavia Prague.

Club Brugge's Raphael Onyedika missed out on the game entirely after accumulating yellow cards that led to his suspension.