Substitute Tolu Arokodare scored what proved to be the winning goal on his debut for KRC Genk in their 3-2 win over KAA Gent in the Jupiler Pro League on Sunday to extend their lead on top of the league table to seven points after 24 league games. 

Arokodare joined the Belgian league table toppers on January transfer deadline day as replacement for the prolific Paul Onuachu who left for Premier League side Southampton on deadline day for €21m.

The 22-year-old who came on as a substitute in the 65th minute replacing Mbwana Samatta scored Genk’s third goal in the 86th minute to give the visitors a 3-1 advantage. The goal proved valuable for the leaders after Gent reduced the deficit two minutes later through Alessio Castro-Montes creating a nervy finish for the leaders. 

The Nigerian received a yellow card in the 92nd minute but Genk held on for the maximum points.  

Arokodare’s compatriot Yira Sow who also came on as a 65th minute substitute for Bilal El Khannouss was on target in the win, scoring the second goal for Genk to give the visitors a 2-1 advantage. It was the second goal in six appearances for the former Slavia Prague man who joined the club during the January transfer window for €6.5m.

Hyeon-seok Hong had given the hosts the lead in the ninth minute while Ghana’s Joseph Paintsil who was voted man of The Match scored the equaliser in the 23rd minute of the hard fought win. 

Arokodare will be hoping to continue his impressive start to the season when Genk welcomes Royal Anwerp to the Cegeka Arena on Sunday.