Zulte Waregem pulls Off Stunning Upset, Dethrones Ghent to Crack Top Six
In a dramatic turn of events that sent shockwaves through the Belgian First Division, newly promoted Zulte Waregem delivered a masterful performance, crushing rivals Ghent 4-1 and catapulting themselves into the coveted top six. The unexpected rout at the Gaverbeek stadium marked a significant statement from the underdogs, leaving the more fancied “Buffalos” reeling.
Ghent, already hampered by the absence of key players Kanga, Kadri, Samoise, and Skoras, fielded a makeshift lineup. Ivan Leko, the Ghent manager, was forced to deploy Goore as a central striker, flanked by Araujo and Surdez. Despite the challenges, Ghent showed early promise, with Goore testing the Zulte Waregem keeper Gabriël within the opening minute.
However, Zulte Waregem quickly asserted their dominance. The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Claes, latching onto a cross at the near post, unleashed an unstoppable strike that found the back of the net. the goal set the tone for the rest of the match, as Zulte Waregem continued to press their advantage.
The home side’s relentless pressure paid off again before halftime. After Roef denied Ementa a leveling goal, Zulte Waregem doubled their lead through Erenbjerg, whose shot took a fortunate deflection off Araujo to wrong-foot the Ghent keeper. Ghent found themselves in disarray, and a third goal arrived just before the break, with Nyssen smashing a bouncing ball into the net with aplomb. The halftime whistle offered little respite for Ghent, who trailed by three goals.
Leko attempted to salvage the situation by introducing El Adfaoui, Vanzeir, and Sonko at the interval. While Ghent managed to regain some composure in the second half, creating a few chances and forcing Roef into several saves, their efforts were ultimately in vain.
Gandelman offered a glimmer of hope for Ghent, pulling one back in the final fifteen minutes to make it 3-1. But Zulte Waregem’s response was swift and decisive. Erenbjerg, who had already scored, was quickest to react to a rebound and slotted home his second of the game, sealing the emphatic 4-1 victory.
This resounding win not only marks a significant achievement for Zulte Waregem but also sees them leapfrog Ghent in the league standings. both teams now sit level on points, but Zulte Waregem’s superior goal difference propels them into sixth place, a testament to their remarkable start to the season. The promoted side’s ability to dismantle a team like Ghent underscores their potential and signals that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Belgian top flight.
