Okumu shines as KAA Gent beat Rakow Czestochowa to reach Europa Conference League group stage

Kenya international Joseph Okumu produced a solid display at the back as KAA Gent recovered to beat Rakow Czestochowa 3-0 and reach the group stage of the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

The lanky Harambee Star was handed another start as the Belgian outfit sought to overturn the 1-0 defeat suffered in the first leg and they took control of the game in the 45th minute when Tarik Tissoudali put them ahead on the night.

In the second half, Gent continued to attack the visiting side and they doubled their lead in the 70th minute through Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe before Julien De Sart made it 3-0 shortly thereafter to hand the team a ticket to the group stage of the competition on a 3-1 aggregate scoreline.

Okumu, who has been a regular for Gent since signing from Sweden side IF Elfsborg, was the standout player of the night as he formed a strong partnership with Cameroon defender Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui to frustrate the Polish side throughout the match.

The former Chemelil Sugar defender was good at aerial balls and in the 24th minute, he saved a dangerous corner from Milan Rundic after goalkeeper Sinan Bolat had left his line.

But Gent were forced to wait until the 45th minute to take the lead when Tissoudali bundled in a cross from Sven Kums from the right-wing.

In the second half, Gent knew another goal will help them reach the group stage but they scored two goals in the space of two minutes, the first courtesy of Odjidja-Ofoe, who dribbled home a low ball from a Tissoudali cross before De Sart sealed the game.

Goalscorer Tissoudali said after the game on his goal: "Relieved!" Because that one big chance in the first half, one on one with the keeper, always had to be taken.

"So I was very happy that I could still score. Missing opportunities is bitter anyway, but Vadis helped me through it. As a striker, you always hope to be important by scoring, but winning as a team remains the most important thing."

Okumu and Gent will wait to know the teams they will face in the group stage as the draw will be held on Friday in Istanbul.