Gift Orban nets in Gent season opener against KV Kortrijk

Nigerian youngster Gift Orban was on the scoresheet for Gent as they started their 2023-24 season with a 3-2 win over KV Kortrijk at their Ghelamco Arena home ground.

Orban, who had an electric breakout season with the Belgian side in the second half of the 2022-23 season, had opened his account for the season in the UEFA Europa Conference League Qualifier against MSK Zilina, and was leading the line against Kortrijk in their domestic opener.

Kortrijk took an early lead after just five minutes through Algerian midfielder Abdelkahar Kadri, before Gent equalised three minutes later. A cross from Orban was diverted into his own net by defender Aleksandar Radovanovic to level the encounter.

Gent turned the game on its head in the 30th minute when Hugo Cuypers opened his domestic account for the season to give his side the lead. After impressing throughout, the 21-year-old Orban added his name to the scoresheet for the second successive game, finishing off a pass from fellow Nigerian Jordan Torunarigha to put the game to bed in the 71st minute.

Kortrijk had the final say in the game as experienced striker Felipe Avenatti scored in the 86th minute to reduce the deficit.

Gent held on for an important opening day win, making it two wins from two this season.