Arokodare on target as Genk secure win over Adana Demirspor
Belgians outfit win first leg of Europa Conference League playoff
Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare was on the scoresheet again for KRC Genk as they battled to a 2-1 win at home to Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League Playoffs.
Having fallen to Swiss outfit Servette on penalties in the UEFA Champions League Playoffs, Genk will now face Adana Demirspor for a place in the group stage of the 2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League.
Arokodare started the game on the bench, with the manager opting for the pace and bag of tricks that is former youth international Yira Sor up front.
After a drab first half, the visitors took the lead thanks to experienced Turkish midfielder Emre Akbaba just two minutes into the second half.
Genk pushed for an equaliser but did not manage to find one until Sor was taken off for Arokodare in the 71st minute.
It took the lanky striker only six minutes to add his name to the scoresheet for the second time in three continental matches this season. The 22-year-old showed great technique to deftly guide a volley home from inside the box following a great long ball from Matias Galarza in the 77th minute.
With the match nearing its conclusion, Genk turned the tie on its head with a late goal from defender Daniel Munoz. The Colombian popped up unmarked at the far post to head home from close range following a flicked header. His goal was scored in the first of nine added minutes at the end of the 90.
Genk will pay a visit to Turkey next week looking to finish up the job and reach the Europa Conference League group stage.
