Vincent Kompany denied first trophy as Anderlecht manager after penalty shootout defeat

Vincent Kompany was denied his first trophy as manager of Anderlecht after they fell to a penalty shootout defeat to Gent in the Belgian Cup final.

The Manchester City legend saw his team fall at the final hurdle after Gent keeper Davy Roef saved penalties from Michael Amir Murillo and Josh Cullen.

Kompany, who left City in 2019, is still waiting for the first trophy of his managerial career but is confident that this won’t be his ‘only final’.

Vincent Kompany saw his side fall on penalties to Gent in the Belgian Cup final on Sunday

As reported by Belgian publication HLN, he said after the game: ‘It was close together for a long time. I think both teams played a little more sloppily than usual, hence the game. 

‘It’s penalty kicks, hey guys. You have to have the guts to kick. The misses are the responsibility of the staff and not the players themselves. I just have to say congratulations to Gent. 

‘But I don’t want any bull**** either, we shouldn’t leave the field here as a loser. This must be fuel. 

Anderlecht’s final two penalties were saved by Gent goalkeeper Davy Roef

‘Win, lose: everything has to be fuel. We’ve fought to get here and tomorrow we’ll do it again. Then we’ll see who has the last laugh. I have a feeling this won’t be my only final. So I’m excited to get back to it.’   

Gent hit the woodwork five minutes before the end of extra time when Darko Lemajic found the crossbar from close range and Yonas Malede’s follow-up was cleared off the line.

They also had the better of the exchanges through the two hours of football, although the game produced few clear-cut opportunities.

Kompany defiantly said after the game that he’s sure this won’t be his ‘last final’

Defender Michael Ngadeu Ngadjui forced a sharp save from Anderlecht goalkeeper Hendrick van Crombrugge in the fifth minute with a powerful header from a corner while captain Vadis Odjidja went close with a 37th-minute shot.

Ukrainian striker Roman Bezus powered his header into the net in the 40th minute but only to have his goal disallowed for offside.

Anderlecht’s best opportunity fell to teenage substitute Anouar Ait El Hadj early in extra time on the breakaway but his effort from a tight angle was blocked.