WESTERLO, Belgium (Interstat) — Substitute Oh Hyeongyu’s first-half goal was the difference as Genk opened its Belgian First Division A campaign with a 1-0 victory over Westerlo on Sunday at Het Kuipje.

The match, a tightly contested affair, was ultimately decided by a moment of quality from Genk’s bench in the 35th minute. Fellow substitute Jusef Erabi provided the assist, threading a pass that Oh finished to secure the three points for the visiting side.

The result defied the pregame projections from Interstat, whose game simulator had predicted a high-scoring 2-2 draw. However, the firm’s ELO rating system, which gave Genk a 78.80 percent probability to win, proved more accurate as the visitors controlled proceedings for long stretches.

Genk’s victory at a damp Het Kuipje gives them a perfect start to the domestic season, moving their league record to one win and no losses. Westerlo, meanwhile, begins its campaign with a defeat, falling to zero wins and one loss. The records for both clubs across all competitions are identical to their new league standings.

The game’s only booking came deep into second-half stoppage time, with Genk’s Erabi receiving a yellow card in the 90th+4 minute.

The win provides a solid foundation for Genk as they look to challenge for the league title, while Westerlo will aim to regroup after a narrow loss in their season opener.