Arokodare on target as Genk crash out of UEFA Champions League

Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare was on the scoresheet once more for KRC Genk as they crashed out of the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds following a penalty shootout defeat to Swiss outfit FC Servette.

Arokodare, who joined the Belgian side in the winter as a replacement for Paul Onuachu, scored for his side in the first leg of the encounter in Switzerland as they played out a 1-1 draw.

The visitors received a red card after only five minutes through striker Enzo Crivelli after a VAR intervention following a nasty tackle. Genk opened the scoring after 28 minutes as Mike Tresor Ndayishimiye put one beyond the goalkeeper from the penalty spot.

Despite being a man down, Servette found an equaliser only eight minutes later when Timothe Cognat scored for them.

Six minutes into the second half, Arokodare added his name to the scoresheet with a thumping header following a cross from Ndayishimiye, restoring his side’s advantage. The Swiss club showed great fighting spirit to equalise through Chris Bedia in the 63rd minute.

Servette held on and took the match to penalties after it ended 3-3 on aggregate. Arokodare and Patrik Hrosovsky missed their attempts and their opponents scored all four of theirs to emerge with a 4-1 win.

Genk will now drop to the UEFA Europa League Third qualifying round as they look to navigate their way into Europe.