KAA Gent and Cercle Brugge faced off on matchday 18 of the Jupiler Pro League, ending the match with a 1-1 draw, where Kevin Denkey shone brightly, providing his team with a memorable farewell.
Playing at the Planet Group Arena, KAA Gent was hoping to solidify its position within the top six, aiming for valuable points after clinching victories earlier. Conversely, Cercle Brugge wanted to climb away from the relegation zone, and with Denkey, who had been instrumental to the club’s previous successes, taking center stage, all eyes were on him as he embarked on his next chapter with MLS after this match.
The home team, Gent, made its mark first. It was Momodou Sonko who opened the scoring after 20 minutes with a fantastic shot. His goal seemed to defy the odds considering Cercle had started the match the stronger side, displaying intensity and creating early chances. Denkey, with his notable performance, was close to finding the net himself but was thwarted by Gent’s goalkeeper, Davy Roef, who had to be quick off his line several times.
Despite their initial dominance and opportunities to extend their lead, KAA Gent couldn’t capitalize, and their lack of aggression post-Sonko’s goal started to cost them. Just after the halftime break, Kevin Denkey, who had already made his presence known throughout the first half, found the equalizer after the home side’s defense faltered, capitalizing on the mistake to score decisively.
Denkey’s goal was not just his farewell gift to the club but also underscored his contribution, being the top scorer last season with 66 goals and 21 assists during his tenure. His performance had been aggressive yet poised, as he constantly threatened Gent’s defense.
Following the equalizer, both teams pressed for the winning goal, but each attack fizzled out, leading to several missed opportunities on both sides. Gudjohnsen and Somers for Gent came close but could not find the back of the net. Conversely, Cercle's players had their moments too, yet Gent’s defense held firm. The tension grew as the clock ticked down, both teams knowing the significance of the three points at stake.
After the match, players expressed their views on what had transpired during the game. Mathias Delorge of KAA Gent reflected on their performance, stating, "Als er één ploeg moest winnen, waren wij het. Het is nooit een makkelijke wedstrijd tegen Cercle, maar we waren de beter ploeg met meer kansen en dominantie in het spel. Het is jammer dat je niet wint, zeker omdat je met 2-0 kan staan aan de rust," emphasizing the missed opportunities.
Thibo Somers from Cercle Brugge remarked, "We waren blij geweest met de drie punten maar lieten hen na een goed begin in de match komen. Het is een moeilijk begin voor de nieuwe coach, hij wordt de eerste dagen meteen voor de leeuwen gegooid," reflecting on the challenge posed by their new coach and team dynamics.
Gent's coach, Wouter Vrancken, expressed his disappointment about allowing such late-game goals, noting, "We zijn ontgoocheld, zeker als je zo'n doelpunt binnenkrijgt terwijl het niet nodig is én omdat je het niet afmaakt in de eerste helft. Als je 2-0 maakt doe je ze dood," indicating his frustration at their inability to put the game away when they were on top.
Conversely, Ferdinand Feldhofer of Cercle Brugge expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, "Ik ben blij met de prestatie van de ploeg, we begonnen heel goed, heel intensief. Na het doelpunt en de wissel van Nunes veranderde veel, werd Gent beter. Het gelijkspel is voor ons een goede uitslag," highlighting the positive elements of his team’s display.
Both teams left with one point, which, sadly, didn’t change much for either side concerning their standings. The draw meant Gent stayed camped within the top six but missed the chance to move up significantly, and Cercle remained entrenched near the relegation zone. Denkey’s departure from Cercle Brugge symbolizes the end of one era as both clubs look forward to capitalizing on future opportunities to improve their standings.
With the match concluded, players and fans alike must now look forward to upcoming fixtures and the pursuit of success, mindful of the contributions made and the challenges yet to come. The tension of the game, the thrill of Denkey’s farewell, and the stakes involved have undoubtedly set the tone for the remaining weeks of the season.
