I was shocked by abuse I received after missing a big chance - Joseph Opoku

Ghanaian forward Joseph Opoku admitted to being caught off guard by the wave of criticism and abuse he faced just a week prior despite securing a vital brace to keep Zulte Waregem in the Belgian top tier.

The 20-year-old found himself at the center of a social media storm following a high-profile missed chance against Cercle Brugge, an experience he described as a surprising test of his professional character.

The young winger, who has been a standout performer since joining from Great Corinthians, expressed a sense of shock at how quickly sentiment turned after one difficult moment on the pitch.

However, rather than letting the backlash derail his season, Opoku used the 2-1 victory over FCV Dender to transform that external pressure into clinical efficiency.

His two second-half goals not only silenced his detractors but also propelled "Essevee" to the top of the relegation playoff table.

Reflecting on the psychological toll of the past week, Opoku emphasized the need for mental toughness in the modern game.

"I was shocked by how they reacted to me. Many people make fun of it, but as a top player, you know, I already knew I’m a top player.

“So, as a top player, it keeps you going and those things. So yeah, I gave them feedback, so they have to react to this one too."

With seven goals and five assists now to his name this campaign, the Ghana U20 international has proven his value to the squad during their most desperate hour.

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