In a thrilling rescheduled fixture from the fifth day of the Jupiler Pro League, Royal Antwerp emerged victorious over Gent with a 3-2 scoreline, largely thanks to a masterclass from their prolific striker, Dieumerci Mbokani. The Congolese forward once again proved why he is one of the league’s deadliest finishers, netting a decisive brace that turned the game in Antwerp’s favor.
The match started with Gent taking an early lead, signaling their intent to challenge the home side. However, Antwerp quickly regrouped, and it didn’t take long for Mbokani to announce his presence. In the 25th minute, he dispossessed a Gent defender around 20 meters from goal, skillfully maneuvered to the left, and unleashed a superb half-volley into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. Just three minutes later, Mbokani struck again, demonstrating his clinical finishing and football intelligence, putting Antwerp ahead 2-1.
The Congolese striker’s performance highlighted his importance to Antwerp’s attack. With his two goals, Mbokani now boasts 13 league goals this season, making him the top scorer in the Jupiler Pro League and placing him among the most prolific forwards in Europe this term. His ability to find space, anticipate defenders’ movements, and convert opportunities into goals continues to be a major asset for Laszlo Bölöni’s squad.
Antwerp maintained their momentum and managed to secure the victory despite Gent’s efforts to fight back. The win moves Antwerp into 4th place in the league standings with 27 points, edging ahead of Standard Liège, who are level on points but have a game in hand. Mbokani’s brilliance not only secured three valuable points but also strengthened Antwerp’s position in the race for European qualification, where every goal and every win counts.
The game also showcased Antwerp’s attacking cohesion beyond Mbokani. The team displayed energy and determination from the opening whistle, quickly transitioning from defense to attack and taking advantage of any gaps left by Gent. While the visitors demonstrated resilience and managed to score twice, Antwerp’s offensive firepower and Mbokani’s sharpness proved too much to handle.
For Gent, this loss will be a bitter pill to swallow. Despite their initial lead and spirited attempts to regain control, they were unable to contain Antwerp’s key striker and were repeatedly caught off-guard by quick transitions and decisive finishing. Antwerp’s victory serves as a reminder of the importance of having a reliable goal scorer in pivotal matches, and Mbokani continues to cement his reputation as one of Europe’s most consistent performers.
With 13 goals already in the campaign, Dieumerci Mbokani shows no signs of slowing down. Antwerp fans can take heart knowing that their talisman is in red-hot form as they push for a top-four finish in the Jupiler Pro League, keeping hopes alive for European competition next season.
