Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare was in stellar form for KRC Genk, playing a pivotal role in their 3-2 victory over St. Truidense in a Belgian Pro League clash at the Cegeka Arena on Sunday.
The win, Genk’s eighth of the season, helped them stay at the top of the league table after 11 matches, continuing their strong domestic campaign.
Arokodare, who led the line, stole the show with a goal and an assist, delivering an impactful performance in Genk’s hard-fought win. In the 18th minute, he opened the scoring with a close-range effort after a cross from Christopher Bonsu Baah. His physicality and sharpness upfront were evident throughout the match, as he posed a constant threat to St. Truidense’s defense.
Arokodare’s influence beyond goalscoring
Before being substituted in the 85th minute for Hyun-Gyu Oh, Arokodare provided an assist for Zakaria El Ouahdi’s goal in the 45th minute, ensuring Genk’s 3-1 lead heading into halftime.
The forward was involved in several key moments, with his expected goals (xG) standing at 1.17 and his expected assists (xA) at 0.09. He had four shots in total, two on target, and two off, underlining his attacking influence.
Defensively, Arokodare won 5 out of 8 ground duels and was equally strong in aerial duels, winning 5 out of 8. He was fouled twice and lost possession only five times, while also making two clearances.
Sor’s struggles
Compatriot, Yira Sor was subbed on in the 78th minute. The former Nigeria U20 forward had a quieter game in comparison.
Despite playing for 12 minutes, he couldn’t find the back of the net and missed a key chance in the 95th minute. His expected goals (xG) stood at 0.07, with no key passes or successful dribbles.
Ultimately, Genk’s solid team performance, led by Arokodare’s contributions, helped them secure a crucial win and maintain their position at the summit of the Belgian Pro League.
