Gent's Buffaloes face scoring drought in Planet Group arena

AA Gent host LNZ Cherkasy in the Planet Group arena with the match already stretching to 180 minutes without a goal. The Buffaloes entered the game after a 0‑0 draw in Poland and now must find a way to finish efficiently to stay in the Conference League third‑round tie.

The earlier encounter in Polen ended 0‑0, underscoring the defensive balance between the Ukrainian side and the Belgian hosts. That result set the tone for a second meeting where both teams again struggle to create clear chances.

Early in the game the left wing‑back Araújo produced the best opportunity, only for his shot to be blocked by Muravski. The liveblog noted this as the most promising chance of the match, highlighting the difficulty the Buffaloes have in converting.

Ngom was deep‑thrown by Goore, yet the strikers showed little desire to make a run, a pattern that has come to typify Gent’s attacking play. This reluctance left the ball in midfield for long periods and limited any sustained pressure on the Cherkasy defence.

Cissé failed to impress, his poor control preventing him from breaking through. Supporters watched with disappointment as the striker could not impose himself, a sentiment echoed throughout the stadium.

Captain Davy Roef, described as the only man on level at Gent, made a low sliding challenge that resulted in a stoppage and the need for extra time. The referee’s decision kept the game level, pushing both sides toward extensions.

Goore’s attempt on the half‑way line was denied by the Kosovar referee, who again found no fault and there was no VAR intervention. The officiating remained consistent, allowing the deadlock to persist.

Sonko and Kadri were identified as the last trump cards of De Mil, with the live commentary asking whether they could be decisive. Their potential impact was highlighted as the match entered its final phases.

Burgess arrived too late to alter the course, becoming the first defender to be mentioned in the narrative. As the clock ticked, the need for verlengingen grew, with the extensions set to decide who progresses to the third qualifying round of the Conference League. The blog even reminded readers, "Stel in als je Google-favorietliveblogStatistiekenOpstellingliveblogBekijk", while also asking Kunnen de Buffalo’s in the Planet Group arena wel efficiënt afwerken? Ook Cissé overtuigt niet, hoor. Kan de verdediging de druk weerstaan? Van Der Heyden kan koppen, maar Palamarchuk blijft onaangedaan.

After 155 minutes the deadlock remained, with Ryabov’s shot drifting harmlessly wide. No goal has yet materialised, leaving both teams to seek a breakthrough in the remaining extra‑time period.