Gent surge to top as extra time seals Zulte defeat

Under the floodlights on 10 October 2026, KAA Gent secured a 0‑2 win over Zulte Waregem in the Jupiler Pro League. Ibrahima Cissé opened the scoring after twelve minutes, while Michel Ange Balikwisha headed the decisive goal in stoppage time. A red card for Malick Mbaye left Zulte with ten men, and Gent moved back to the summit with 22 points from 24.

Early pressure and first strike

Gent pressed from the first whistle, creating several chances before Max Dean delivered a low cross that found Ibrahima Cissé. The Ivorian striker tucked the ball home at the twelve‑minute mark, giving the Buffalo's an early advantage. The assist highlighted Dean’s vision and set the tone for the home side.

Zulte Waregem struggled to generate clear opportunities despite fielding eleven players. Their attempts were largely blocked by Gent’s organised defence, and the visitors could not threaten the goal in the opening half.

Points table impact

After the international break, Gent remained unbeaten after eight matches, amassing 22 points from a possible 24. The victory propelled them back to the league lead, while Zulte Waregem stayed bottom with zero points from nine games. The result widened the gap between the two clubs dramatically.

The red card came in the seventy‑five minute, when VAR confirmed Malick Mbaye’s dismissal after a challenge on a Gent attacker. Reduced to ten men, Zulte found it impossible to mount a comeback, especially as the clock ticked towards the final whistle.

In the second half, both managers made tactical changes. Hyllarion Goore was replaced by Matties Volckaert at sixty‑six minutes, and Tobias Hedl gave way to Zalán Átrok at sixty‑nine minutes for Zulte. Gent also introduced Leonardo Lopes for Aimé Omgba, who received a yellow card shortly after.

Max Dean again proved decisive in the dying moments, swinging in a cross that Balikwisha met with a powerful header at ninety‑plus‑two minutes. The goal sealed the win and underscored Dean’s influence on both Gent goals.

The match formed part of a broader football programme that also covers Voetbal, Tennis, Formula 1 (Formule 1) and other sports. The Jupiler Pro League runs alongside the Challenger Pro League, Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, offering fans Meer football action across the season.