GHENT, Belgium (Interstat) — Substitute Arbnor Muja scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute to lead Sint-Truiden to a 2-1 comeback victory over Gent on Sunday in the Belgian First Division A at Planet Group Arena.

The result defied pregame projections, as Interstat’s game simulator had forecast a 2-1 win for Gent. The same analytics system gave the home side a 59.2 percent probability of securing a victory.

The match began with early physicality, as Sint-Truiden’s Robert-Jan Vanwesemael received a yellow card in the fifth minute. Gent, playing in front of their home supporters, seized the initiative and broke through in the 21st minute. The opening goal was scored by forward Wilfried Kanga, who finished a play assisted by defender Matties Volckaert.

Sint-Truiden struggled to find an equalizer in the first half, but the momentum shifted after halftime. The visitors made key substitutions that altered the course of the match. The turning point came just before the hour mark. In the 55th minute, Sint-Truiden substitute Shōgo Taniguchi was shown a yellow card, but his impact on the game would soon be positive.

Four minutes later, Taniguchi linked up with fellow substitute Arbnor Muja, providing the assist for Muja’s equalizing goal. The 1-1 scoreline did not last long, as Sint-Truiden’s substitutes combined again to stunning effect. Just seven minutes after tying the game, Muja turned provider, setting up another substitute, Keisuke Gotō, for a goal in the 66th minute. The quick-fire double gave the visiting Canaries a sudden lead.

Gent’s frustrations grew as they attempted to mount a response. Their efforts were hampered when midfielder Tibe De Vlieger, who had earlier assisted on Kanga’s goal, received a yellow card in the 89th minute. The home side was unable to find a second goal in the dying moments, sealing a disappointing start to their league campaign.

With the win, Sint-Truiden begins its season with one win and zero losses in First Division A play. Across all competitions, their record is also one win and zero losses. For Gent, the loss marks a zero wins, one loss start to both their domestic league season and their overall campaign.

The match was ultimately decided by the effectiveness of Sint-Truiden’s bench, with substitutes Muja and Gotō contributing directly to both of the team’s goals in the second-half comeback.