No mercy for living legend Gheorghe Hagi
FC Viitorul from Constanta, a sea-side resort at the Black Sea in Romania, is coached by a living legend in football, Gheorghe Hagi. However, his youngsters had no chance against an in-form AA Gent, the numbers 3 of the Belgian league last season.
Khalifa Coulibaly (photo) scored two and Belgian striker Laurent Depoitre added another one after defender Stefan Mitrovic had opened the score. Midfielder Neto made it 5 on 66 minutes. Next Thursday, AA Gent can travel to Constanta in a relaxed mood, though coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck wants to win the return game as well.
Depoitre, who hopes to find an English club this summer, was in thundering form and also hit the post. His contract expires next summer, and he is expected to leave the club. Playmaker Sven Kums is also in talks, with Napoli, but it is not sure whether AA Gent will let him go.
Cork City hard nut to crack for Genk
In other action, KRC Genk had a difficult evening against Cork City of Ireland. One swift attack was enough, with Leon Bailey, the Jamaican sensation, saving Genk from an embarrassing draw. Cork had the chance to equalise, but missed it.
Genk played a poor game and will have to fight hard, next Thursday in Ireland, if they want to qualify for the 4th and final preliminary round.
