On Sunday, Royal Antwerp won the Belgian Cup final against Mechelen, with Nigerian midfielder Yusuf Alhassan as a part of the team. Although he was an unused substitute during the final at the King Baudouin Stadium, his presence on the bench shows his contribution to the team’s success throughout the season.
Alhassan joined Royal Antwerp in 2020 from the Nigerian side, Kaduna United, and has been a valuable asset to the team. His performance in the Belgian First Division A has been impressive, which led to him being included in the squad for the Belgian Cup final.
During the final, former Tottenham Hotspur striker Vincent Jenssen scored the opening goal from the penalty spot after 35 minutes. Royal Antwerp finally sealed their win after substitute Michel-Ange Balikwisha scored the second goal in the 81st minute. Although Alhassan didn’t get to play during the final, his contribution in the team’s journey to the final was significant.
This win guarantees Royal Antwerp a spot in European football next season, a testament to their consistent performance in the Belgian league. The team is still involved in the title playoff, and their success in the final will boost their confidence as they aim to win the league title.
In conclusion, Alhassan’s inclusion in the Royal Antwerp squad for the Belgian Cup final shows the team’s recognition of his contribution to their success throughout the season. Although he was an unused substitute, his presence on the bench and his performances in the league contributed to the team’s success in winning the Belgian Cup.