Morocco’s Zakaria El Ouahdi fires Genk to top of European playoffs

Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahdi played a decisive role as KRC Genk moved to the top of the European playoffs with a 2-1 victory over KVC Westerlo on Saturday.

In a closely contested encounter, both sides went into the interval without a breakthrough, reflecting a balanced first half in which neither team managed to assert clear dominance.

However, the match shifted in Genk’s favour after the restart, with El Ouahdi at the centre of the turning point.

The 23-year-old opened the scoring in the 68th minute, giving Genk the advantage with a well-timed intervention. Just three minutes later, he was again influential, providing the assist for Aaron Bibout, who doubled the lead in the 71st minute and placed the visitors firmly in control.

Westerlo responded quickly, reducing the deficit through Afonso Patrao in the 76th minute. Despite their efforts to find an equaliser, the home side were unable to break through Genk’s defence for a second time, leaving the visitors to secure all three points.

El Ouahdi’s performance, which included both a goal and an assist, earned him the man-of-the-match award and further underlined his importance to Genk this season.

Across all competitions, he has now recorded 12 goals and four assists in 38 appearances, highlighting his consistent attacking contribution.

The result has significant implications for the standings in the European playoffs. Genk now occupy top spot with 28 points, holding a narrow advantage over Standard Liège and Westerlo, who both sit on 26 points.

Elsewhere, Royal Antwerp secured a victory over OH Leuven, with Moroccan international Youssef Hamdaoui scoring the decisive goal. Antwerp’s win places them on 21 points, just ahead of Charleroi, who remain on 20.

As the playoffs progress, Genk’s latest victory strengthens their position at the summit, with El Ouahdi’s form continuing to play a pivotal role in their push to maintain top spot.