Another high day for Gantoise: “Two weeks ago we were just barely declared dead, now we are playing the final for the national title” (Ghent)

Gantoise can prepare for two playoff finals for the second year in a row. The men defeated Léopold in the semi-finals, the women kept Waterloo Ducks in check. The final battle will take place in Antwerp on Saturday and Sunday.

For two weeks, Gantoise’s men were not certain about a place in the last four and there was no talk of a failed season. But after the ‘miracle of Uccle’, the Ghent men are actually in the running for a second consecutive national title.

In the semi-finals, Gantoise remained in control of Léopold, the leader after the regular competition, in two matches. Coach Pascal Kina’s team won the home game 2-1 and also won the return match at Léopold on Sunday (2-3). The Ghent collective is clearly there at the moments of truth. Emile Esquelin scored the 2-2 and played an important role in Ghent’s qualification. “Two weeks ago we were just barely declared dead, now we are playing two finals for the national title. It is indeed a bit crazy, but it is well deserved. If you can beat the leader of the competition in two matches, then we deserve that place in the final. I perhaps scored one of the most important goals in my career,” says Esquelin.

Next weekend the Waterloo Ducks will have to be measured in two games. “We lost 3-4 and 3-0 against Waterloo Ducks in the competition, but playing a final is completely different,” Esquelin adds.

Sixth national title for the women?

The women of Gantoise also smell the national title again. In the semi-finals, Waterloo Ducks were defeated twice: 4-1 and 3-1. For the first time in three years we won’t get a final between Gantoise and Dragons. Braxgata will be the opponent of Alix Gerniers and co. The women of Gantoise are reaching out for a sixth national title, the fourth in a row.