MLS-Bound Striker Bags Farewell Goal to Earn Cercle Brugge Draw

The Togolese striker, set to depart for the MLS, ensured his team secured a crucial point in their fight to escape relegation from the Jupiler Pro League.

Gent struck first in the 24th minute through Momodou Lamin Sonko. The forward, who had struggled early in the game with poor ball control, redeemed himself with a powerful, low drive that beat Warleson Delanghe in the Cercle goal. Despite their advantage, Gent failed to capitalise on their dominance in the first half, with both Max Dean and Andrew Hjulsager missing key opportunities to double the lead before the interval.

Cercle Brugge, meanwhile, started brightly in the second half, showcasing a renewed sense of urgency. Just seconds after the restart, Jose Minda had the ball in the net, but his effort was correctly ruled offside. The visitors’ persistence finally paid off in the 71st minute, when Gent defender Alessio Castro-Montes’ misplaced pass fell to Denkey. The prolific forward made no mistake, firing home from close range to level the match and provide a fitting end to his Cercle career.

Key Moments

The match saw late drama, with both sides having chances to snatch all three points. Gent’s Isak Gudjohnsen and Cercle’s Thibo Somers both spurned golden opportunities in the final minutes, leaving the spoils shared at the Ghelamco Arena. The result keeps Gent firmly in the top six, while Cercle Brugge remain mired in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety.

Site Opinion

Kevin Denkey’s departure from Cercle Brugge signals the end of a remarkable chapter for both the player and the club. Over the course of his time at the Jan Breydel Stadium, the Togolese striker amassed 66 goals and 21 assists, leaving an indelible mark. His final contribution — a critical equaliser — epitomised his ability to deliver in crucial moments, a trait Cercle will sorely miss.

However, Cercle Brugge’s problems extend beyond Denkey’s exit. While the draw against a top-six side like KAA Gent is a commendable result, the team’s struggles to finish chances remain a glaring issue. With Denkey gone, the club faces a daunting task to find a new talisman capable of lifting them out of the relegation zone.