KRC Genk – KVC Westerlo

Four matches to go. Twelve points still up for grabs. With several teams vying for the top spot, the tension in the Europe Play-offs is palpable. On Sunday at 7:15 PM, another crucial fixture awaits: an away match against fellow leaders KRC Genk.

KVC Westerlo

Last weekend’s match against Leuven had two completely different halves. “The 0–1 came after poor defending. For the 0–2, we were temporarily down to ten men because Haspolat was receiving treatment for an injury, and Sakamoto pressed at the wrong moment,” coach Charaï analyzed in Het Nieuwsblad. “My technical staff and I do not accept a performance like that — especially not at ’t Kuipje.”

After halftime, however, there was a clear improvement, mainly thanks to Reynolds and Sayyadmanesh on the right flank. The latter headed home the 1–3 just four minutes into the second half and later also won the penalty for the 3–3 after Reynolds was brought down inside the box. In the dying moments of the match, Reynolds came close to scoring the winner, but his effort hit the post. “Giving up is not in our dictionary, and we showed that again. It’s a shame my effort in the final minute hit the post.”

The Kemphanen now face four finals in these Europe Play-offs, with only one of those matches being played at ’t Kuipje. That’s why we are calling on all supporters to back the team in large numbers, starting this Sunday in Genk. There is no mandatory travel arrangement, so supporters can travel to Limburg by car. Be there!

Charaï’s men are currently joint leaders with 30 points, alongside Genk. For Sunday’s crucial match, Bayram and Alcócer return from suspension. The coach can count on the following squad: Jungdal, Van Langendonck, Annell, Lapage, Kimura, Sayyadmanesh, Sydorchuk, Patrão, Bohamdi-Kamoni, Sakamoto, Reynolds, Mbamba, Gouré, Neustädter, Haspolat, Saito, Van den Keybus, Bayram, Piedfort, Alcócer en Ferri.

KRC Genk

As mentioned, KRC Genk are also at the top of the table. The Limburg side narrowly missed out on the Champions’ Play-offs and are determined to secure European football through Play-off 2. However, things haven’t always gone smoothly, as their campaign has been inconsistent with nine points from six matches. Coach Nicky Hayen will be without goalkeeper Lawal and left-back Medina on Sunday. Genk do have several players to watch out for. Right-back El Ouahdi has been outstanding with 8 goals and 4 assists. Captain Heynen provides composure and leadership in midfield (4 goals, 1 assist), while young talent Karetsas has already registered 11 assists.

Last weekend, Genk lined up against Charleroi as follows (4-3-3): Brughmans, Kayembe, Smets, Kongolo, El Ouahdi, Heynen, Heymans, Bangoura, Adedeji-Sternberg, Bibout and Ito.

Our previous encounter

On Saturday, April 16 — just under a month ago — we hosted Genk at ’t Kuipje. That match ended in a 1–2 victory for the visitors from Limburg. In a poor first half, both teams created one big chance each. Alcócer saw his header brilliantly saved by Brughmans, while Heynen came close to opening the scoring at the other end through Jungdal and the crossbar. After the break, the game remained sloppy, but midway through the second half Genk struck twice within a matter of minutes. El Ouahdi broke the deadlock with a brilliant individual effort and shortly afterward also provided the assist for Bibout’s 0–2. KVC Westerlo struggled to respond for much of the game, but reduced the deficit to 1–2 through Patrão with ten minutes remaining. An equalizer never came.

Did you know… 

• KVC Westerlo are still unbeaten away from home in 2026. The Kemphanen have recorded five wins and two draws.
• In matches between KVC Westerlo and Genk, a supporter always walks onto the pitch as the “12th man” as a signal against racism and polarization in football.
• This could be Genk player El Ouahdi’s tenth match against KVC Westerlo. He has faced us four times with RWDM and five times with Genk. Only against Club Brugge has he played more often.

Referee

Simon Bourdeaud’Hui will officiate Sunday’s match. His assistant referees are Ben Gonnissen and Jonas Van Dyck. The fourth official is Matonga Simonini. Michiel Allaerts will be on VAR duty from Tubeke.