Bilal El Khannouss, with his decisive assist, had put his team, KRC Genk, on track for a fifth Belgian Pro League championship title and had no idea that Antwerp would snatch the title away in a thrilling Hitchcockian fashion.
Genk, who needed to win at home and hope for a defeat from Union St., During the 6th and final matchday of the playoffs, Gilloise took the lead through Nigerian player Tolu Arokodare, who capitalized on an assist from Moroccan player Bilal El Khannouss in the 45th minute to open the scoring.
In the second half, Dutch player Gyrano Kerk equalized for Antwerp (1-1, 58th minute), but Bryan Heynen restored the lead for the home team in the 75th minute of the game.
El Khannouss, who was substituted by Nigerian player Yira Sor (86th minute), believed that his team was going to lift the trophy, just like the jubilant supporters in the stands after receiving a gift from FC Bruges, who defeated Union St. Gilloise in Brussels. However, the visitors’ defender Toby Alderweireld turned the dream into a nightmare with an equalizing goal in the 94th minute of stoppage time, thereby handing the title to Antwerp in a crazy turn of events.
Genk can take solace in securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, even though losing the title in such a manner will leave a bitter taste for the players and supporters.
Below is the assist by El Khannouss in video form:
