FC Basel suffered a 2–1 defeat to KRC Genk in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, November 27, 2025, despite a determined second-half surge led by Philip Otele, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Genk were clinical in the opening period, racing to a 2–0 advantage through goals from Hyeon-Gyu Oh and Konstantinos Karetsas, capitalizing on nearly every clear chance they created.
Without captain Xherdan Shaqiri, Basel still produced the game’s first real threat when Otele tested the Genk goalkeeper with a powerful long-range strike. But defensive vulnerabilities proved costly, and the Swiss side found themselves two goals down at the break.
Basel responded strongly in the second half, taking control of the tempo and pushing Genk deep into their own half. Their pressure finally paid off just before the hour mark when Bénie Traoré slipped a brilliant pass through to Otele, who guided the ball home with a composed finish to make it 2–1.
Momentum shifted, and Basel continued to create chances. Otele struck the post shortly after his goal, while Jeremy Agbonifo forced a superb stop from Hendrik Van Crombrugge late on. Even the introduction of Shaqiri could not turn the pressure into an equalizer, as Genk held firm through the final minutes.
In the end, Basel’s improved second-half performance went unrewarded. Otele’s goal offered hope, but the Swiss side once again came up short in European away action.
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye