A goal and assist from Taifa Stars captain Mbwana Samatta booked a spot for KRC Genk in Europa league group stage at the expense of Locomotiva Zagreb on a 4-2 aggregate.
The second leg, last stage qualifier was played Thursday night at Luminus Arena Stadium, Belgium.
Genk carried two away goal advantage from first leg 2-2 draw in Croatia and needed a win or 1-1 draw to make it through, but the Peter Maes’ side were in a ruthless mood, beating the visitors 2-0.
Prolific striker Samatta took just two minutes to open scoring and settle nerves of home fans. The former TP Mazembe man who is currently the leading top scorer in the Belgium Pro League with 4 goals, is enjoying a superb form, and has scored in the last three fixtures for Genk, including the 2 all draw away to Zagreb in the intial encounter.
The reigning African Foobaler of the Year based in Africa then assisted Leon Bailey’s 50th minute goal for a 2-0 comfortable lead and 4-2 aggregate win.
Genk are now through to the group phase of the Europe’s second tier league. This will be Samatta’s first taste of big stage football in Europe in his first season.
@bonfaceosano
