Royal Antwerp played out an incredible 4-4 draw with KRC Genk in the Jupiler Pro League on Saturday. Mark van Bommel's team came back from a 4-1 deficit in the second half thanks to two late goals from Michael Frey in a dramatic finale.
The match started well for the home side. Anthony Valencia put Antwerp ahead in the 16th minute. Genk equalized before halftime through Josué Kongolo. After the break, the visitors took complete control. Rafiu Durosinmi and Ayumu Yokoyama made it 3-1.
The situation looked hopeless for Antwerp when 19-year-old Ghanaian Jerry Afriyie made his debut for Genk in the 69th minute. The young forward, who recently joined the club, provided an immediate assist. His cross was headed home by Aaron Bibout, making the score 4-1. Antwerp seemed dead and buried.
But in the final ten minutes, the game turned completely. First, Eran Tuypens reduced the deficit to 4-2. Then Michael Frey struck. The Swiss striker scored in the 84th and 86th minutes, leveling the score in just two minutes. It was an improbable twist that denied Genk an away victory.
This shared point has immediate consequences for the table. Antwerp currently sits fifth in the Jupiler Pro League with seven points from three games. The team has two wins, one draw, and remains unbeaten this campaign. Their recent form is DWW. They have scored nine goals and conceded five, for a +4 goal difference.
In the title race, Antwerp now trails leaders Club Brugge KV by two points. Every dropped point could prove costly. The coming weeks are important to ensure the gap does not grow. Fans can follow the full league table on our standings page.
The focus now quickly shifts to the next assignment. Antwerp travels to face Standard Liege, who are seventh, on September 5th. It will be a tough away game against a traditional top club. Preparation for that match begins immediately.
The comeback against Genk showed the team's fighting spirit, but also defensive vulnerability. Nine goals in three games is a strong attacking return, but five concessions is a concern. Manager Van Bommel will certainly want to work on that. The full schedule up to the winter break can be found on our fixtures page.
The debut performance of Jerry Afriyie for Genk was a notable subplot. The teenager proved his worth immediately with an assist. For Antwerp, however, it was the resilience of Michael Frey that saved the day. His two goals in two minutes secured a vital point that boosts confidence for the weeks ahead.
