Lawrence Agyekum scores as Cercle Brugge thrash Patro Eisden
3 min read
Lawrence Agyekum scores and impresses as Cercle Brugge dominate Patro Eisden in relegation playoff first leg.
Ghanaian midfielder Lawrence Agyekum delivered a standout performance as Cercle Brugge thrashed Patro Eisden 5-1 in the first leg of the Belgian Pro League relegation playoff, marking a significant step toward top-flight survival for the Bruges-based club.
Agyekum, who is fresh off making his senior debut for the Ghana Black Stars in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chad, opened the scoring in just the 8th minute. His goal came from a well-timed pass by Brazilian winger Felipe Augusto, which Agyekum calmly slotted into the back of the net to set the tone for what would become a dominant display.
The early goal energized Cercle Brugge, who kept up relentless pressure throughout the match. German forward Paris Brunner extended the lead with a powerful strike in the 25th minute, giving the home crowd plenty to cheer about. Brunner wasn’t done yet—just a minute after halftime, he completed his brace with a well-taken finish, making it 3-0 in the 46th minute.
Felipe Augusto, already with an assist to his name, got on the scoresheet in the 58th minute, finishing a sweeping team move with precision. Cercle Brugge’s confidence continued to soar, and Thibo Somers put the icing on the cake in the 84th minute with a goal that sealed a resounding 5-0 lead.
Although Patro Eisden managed a late consolation through Vancy Romeo Mabanza in the final moments, the damage had already been done. The 5-1 scoreline now gives Cercle Brugge a comfortable cushion ahead of the return leg and has significantly increased their odds of retaining their place in the top division.
Agyekum’s performance was not only crucial to the team’s result but also a testament to his recent growth and form. Since joining Cercle Brugge permanently on a four-year contract, the 20-year-old midfielder has made 34 appearances this season across all competitions, tallying three goals and two assists. His vision, control in midfield, and ability to transition between defense and attack have made him a central figure in Cercle’s tactical setup.

His recent debut for Ghana in the World Cup qualifiers has only further raised his profile, and his showing in this playoff match will likely keep him in the spotlight as a promising young talent to watch.
Fellow Ghanaian midfielder Francis Abu also featured in the game, playing 73 minutes and helping control the tempo from midfield alongside Agyekum. Their partnership continues to evolve as a reliable engine for the team.
Cercle Brugge manager Miron Muslić praised his players after the match, singling out the midfield for its dominance. “We executed our plan well,” he said. “Agyekum’s early goal gave us the confidence to push forward, and everyone contributed to this result. But we’re not done yet—we have to stay focused for the second leg.”
The commanding victory offers a psychological edge as Cercle Brugge prepare for the return fixture. Though the job is not yet finished, the performance signals a club hitting form at the right time, with several key players rising to the occasion when it matters most.
For Agyekum, it marks another milestone in what is quickly becoming a breakthrough year. If he continues on this trajectory, both Cercle Brugge and the Ghana national team may reap the benefits of his talent for years to come.