Relebohile Mofokeng scores decisive penalty as Union Saint-Gilloise win Belgian Super Cup

Relebohile Mofokeng scored the winning penalty as Union Saint-Gilloise defeated Club Brugge 5-4 in a shoot-out to claim the Belgian Super Cup and secure the South African midfielder’s first trophy with the club.

The Bafana Bafana player began the match on the bench after featuring in a couple of pre-season fixtures. He was introduced in the 61st minute, replacing Anan Khalaili, with Union Saint-Gilloise trailing Club Brugge.

The match had reached half-time without a goal, but Club Brugge took the lead three minutes after the interval. Nicolo Tresoldi broke the deadlock with a strike that put Union under pressure.

Mofokeng’s arrival helped Union remain in contention and the Belgian Cup winners eventually found an equaliser in the 77th minute. Kevin Mac Allister scored to level the contest. He is the brother of Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister.

Neither side could find a winning goal before the end of normal time, sending the Belgian Super Cup to a penalty shoot-out. Mofokeng was entrusted with a decisive attempt and converted the winning penalty as Union Saint-Gilloise prevailed 5-4.

The result delivered Union’s first trophy of the new campaign and gave Mofokeng an immediate piece of silverware after his move into a more prominent role in the match.

The Belgian Super Cup is contested between the winners of the Belgian league and the Belgian Cup. Union Saint-Gilloise qualified for this year’s fixture after winning the Belgian Cup last season.

For Mofokeng, the decisive contribution came after he had initially been left out of the starting line-up. The winger entered the game with Union behind, but helped his side recover before completing the shoot-out victory from the penalty spot.

Union Saint-Gilloise must now turn their attention to European competition. Their next fixture is a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night.

The quick change in focus means Mofokeng and his team-mates will have little time to celebrate their success before preparing for the meeting with Bodo/Glimt. The Belgian side will go into that match with the confidence of having won the Super Cup, while Mofokeng will do so after playing a key part in delivering the trophy.