Gent qualify for the Conference League play-offs

On Thursday evening, Gent faced Silkeborg in the second leg of their Conference League third qualifying round tie.

The Buffalos went into the game with a 2-2 draw, leaving everything to play for. However, Tonni Adamsen’s goal on 33 minutes changed the complexion of the game.

A nail-biting affair

This goal didn’t deter Gent, who levelled the score five minutes later through Max Dean, who had been given a start by Wouter Vrancken.

However, Adamsen restored Silkeborg’s lead from the penalty spot early in the second half, and it looked like the Danish side were heading for victory. But Omri Gandelman snatched a late equaliser in the 92nd minute to force extra time.

Close to qualification

Both teams were now locked in a battle for a place in the play-offs, and it was Gandelman again who emerged as the hero, scoring the winner in the 118th minute to secure Gent’s qualification.

Like Cercle Brugge, Gent are now just 180 minutes away from competing in the Conference League, which could earn Belgium valuable points in the UEFA rankings.