GENK, Belgium (Interstat) — A late, dramatic equalizer from substitute Oh Hyeongyu salvaged a 1-1 draw for Genk against Westerlo in a Belgian First Division A match Sunday at Cegeka Arena, a result that defied pregame projections and was overshadowed by a contentious second-half red card.

The match, which concluded in a stalemate, saw both teams open their league campaigns with a draw. The outcome was a significant departure from statistical forecasts, which heavily favored the home side. Data analysts had given Genk an 89 percent probability of securing a victory, with a predicted final score of 2-2.

The game’s narrative was largely defined by substitutes and a pivotal dismissal. Westerlo, the visiting team, struck first against the run of play in the 13th minute. The goal came from an unlikely source as substitute Griffin Yow, who had entered the match early, found the net to give his side an unexpected lead.

Genk, despite its favored status, struggled to break down a resolute Westerlo defense for much of the contest. Their task became more difficult in the 72nd minute when defender Emin Bayram was shown a straight red card, forcing the hosts to play the final stretch a man down.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Genk pressed forward in desperation during second-half stoppage time. The pressure finally told in the fourth minute of added time. Another substitute, Lucas Mbamba, provided the crucial service, delivering an assist that was converted by fellow substitute Oh Hyeongyu to level the score at 1-1 and spark frenzied celebrations among the home supporters.

The frantic conclusion continued to produce drama after the final whistle. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Westerlo’s Bryan Reynolds, who had recorded an assist on Yow’s first-half goal, received a yellow card. Five minutes later, Genk’s goal-assist provider Mbamba was also booked.

The result leaves both teams with identical records in the league standings: zero wins, zero losses and one draw. Their overall records across all competitions for the season also mirror each other at 0-0-1. The draw, secured under adverse circumstances, provides Genk with a hard-earned point, while Westerlo will rue conceding so late after a disciplined defensive performance for nearly 100 minutes of play.