Kortrijk vs KAA Gent II

The match was a tight, competitive affair typical of pre-season preparations. Kortrijk, gearing up for the 2026-27 Jupiler Pro League campaign, controlled much of the early play but found KAA Gent II's defence organised and difficult to break down.

The deadlock was broken in the 30th minute when Ogbuehi, the 23-year-old Nigeria international, found the net with a composed finish. The goal gave Kortrijk a 1-0 lead that they carried into half-time.

Despite further pressure from the hosts in the second period, Kortrijk could not add to their tally, while Gent II pushed for an equaliser but could not find a way through. The match finished 1-0 — a useful workout for both sides.

Ogbuehi's 30th-minute goal proved decisive. KAA Gent II had frustrated Kortrijk up to that point, but once ahead, the hosts could manage the game on their terms. Gent II's inability to respond before the break meant they faced an uphill task in the second half.

Sixtus Ogbuehi (Kortrijk) — the match-winner. The Nigerian striker, who joined Kortrijk in 2025 from Osasuna, showed sharp instincts with his 30th-minute finish. His movement and hold-up play caused problems for the Gent II defence throughout.

Kortrijk defence — kept a clean sheet against a lively Gent II side, managing the game professionally after taking the lead.

Kortrijk's 1-0 win continues their strong head-to-head record against KAA Gent II, having now won both meetings between the sides dating back to 2025, scoring five goals and conceding two across the two fixtures. The narrow scoreline reflects a pre-season contest where fitness and sharpness took priority over expansive attacking play, with both sides managing their minutes ahead of competitive action.

For Kortrijk, this friendly was part of their build-up to the 2026-27 Jupiler Pro League season, which kicked off in August with a difficult opener against Club Brugge. KAA Gent II, the reserve side of KAA Gent, were preparing for the 2026-27 Challenger Pro League campaign, where they compete against other Belgian reserve teams and second-tier sides.

A functional pre-season win for Kortrijk, decided by a moment of quality from Ogbuehi. The Nigerian forward's goal was the difference between two sides at different stages of their preparation, but Kortrijk will want more cutting edge in the final third as the season proper approaches.