Anderlecht Slip Up Against Genk as Kouyaté Reflects on Missed Opportunity
Anderlecht suffered a setback in their title chase on the fifth matchday of the Belgian Pro League playoffs, falling 1-0 to Genk in a tightly contested encounter. The defeat was a bitter blow for the Brussels-based side, who missed a crucial opportunity to close the gap on their championship rivals.
The result leaves Anderlecht with ground to make up, and midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté did not hide his disappointment after the final whistle. Speaking to Belgian broadcaster RTBF, the Senegalese international admitted the loss would weigh heavily on the squad.
“It’s a painful defeat tonight,” said Kouyaté. “We’re not going to sleep well because we missed a golden opportunity. We don’t know if it will come again.”
The Lions of Teranga defender acknowledged the significance of the upcoming clash against league leaders Standard Liège. “It’s a defeat that won’t be easy to forget,” he added. “We have to win the match against Standard to make up for this defeat.”
With the playoff phase nearing its climax, Anderlecht will need a strong response if they are to keep their title hopes alive.