The contract of Tess Tekie, the Swedish-Eritrean midfielder, was extended with one extra year (until 2021). Because he needs more match rhythm he will be loaned out (without an option to purchase) to the Swedish side Östersunds FK fror 18 months starting from the 1st of January.
The Buffalos got the new year off to a good start with a deserved 1-0 win over RSC Anderlecht. In the first half there were chances at both ends, but it was Anderlecht's Didillon who was the busier of the two keepers. Gent kept up the pressure in the second half and finally made the breakthrough with fifteen minutes remaining, when Sorloth headed in a cross from Yaremchuk. Anderlecht ended the game with ten men after Amuzu's dismissal.
During the visit to Pro League leaders KRC Genk, the Buffalos started strongly and took a deserved lead through a wonder goal by Bronn, a shot straight into the top left corner. Ghent continued to dominate, but Genk equalised when Samatta scored after a misunderstanding. Early in the second half, Dewaest took the home team ahead and it was an uphill struggle for Ghent. After Rosted was sent off, Heynen made the final score 3-1.
KAA Gent enjoyed a handsome victory over Cercle Brugge. A dominant and inspired Gent created a hatful of chances in the first half and it was amazing that they only scored twice, through Dejaegere and Rosted. The Buffalos kept pressing after half-time, with Odjidja setting up David to make it 3-0, before Odjidja put the icing on the cake with a fantastic strike into the top left corner. Gakpé got one back for the men from Bruges with five minutes left, making it 4-1, but this could not take the gloss off an excellent Gent performance.
