Asare tastes defeat at Valencia with Gent

Ghana international defender Nana Akwasi Asare played the entire regulation minutes of the game for KAA Gent in their 2-1 loss at Valencia in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

The 29-year-old, spotting the number 21 jersey made his third appearances in the group stages for the Belgian Pro League side who are still without a win from their opening games and lie in third place in Group H.

Though Valencia coach Nuno Espírito Santo had insisted there was no danger of his Valencia side underestimating the visitors and his players were as good as his word, tearing forward from the outset.

Gent goalkeeper Matz Sels saved at the feet of Santi Mina after Sofiane Feghouli’s pass had split the defence, before Shkodran Mustafi put a free header over from a corner.

But it was two own goals scored by Gent that won the game for the Spanish La Liga outfit.

The breakthrough was not long delayed, however. Paco Alcácer was unable to supply the decisive touch to a teasing low cross from right-back João Cancelo; from close range, a combination of Feghouli and Lasse Nielsen forced the ball over the line.

Gent were rocking and it took a double save from their goalkeeper to prevent Valencia doubling their advantage.

Sels dived to his left to keep out Santi Mina’s 20-metre drive and was up quickly to block Daniel Parejo’s follow-up effort.

Nana Asare was booked in the 22nd minute for a bad foul.