Gift Orban displayed an exceptional performance, picking up right where he left off last season, and he sealed it off with a fantastic goal to lead KAA Gent to a resounding victory over MSK AZilina on Thursday evening.
The 21-year-old Nigerian forward was the star of the show, finding the back of the net and helping the Belgian Pro League side secure a dominant 5-1 win over ten-man MSK AZilina during their Europa Conference League second Qualifying round leg one at the Ghelamco Arena.
In just 23 minutes into the game, Gift Orban opened the scoring with a brilliant right-footed shot from the center of the box, giving the home team a well-deserved lead.
Despite their clear dominance in the first half, Gent could only convert one of their numerous chances, thanks to Gift Orban’s prowess.
However, their determination didn’t waver as they started the second half on a high note. Within ten minutes, Julien De Sart struck with another right-footed shot, doubling their lead.
The scoreboard read 3-0 after 63 minutes when Hugo Cuypers added another goal to Gent’s tally.
MSK AZilina’s hopes took a blow when Dominik Javorcek received a second yellow card from the center referee, Visar Kastrati, reducing them to ten men.
Gent capitalized on their numerical advantage, and three minutes later, Tsuyoshi Watanabe found the back of the net, extending the lead to 4-0.
Though Adrian Kapralik managed to score a consolation goal for the visitors, Hugo Cuypers combined beautifully with Tarik Tissoudali to compound their misery and make it a staggering 5-1 scoreline.
Gift Orban’s remarkable performance and the overall team display demonstrated KAA Gent’s strength and determination as they secured a convincing victory in the Europa Conference League.