The Belgian striker, who has been a rip-roaring success since joining from RC Lens last summer, scored five minutes from time to turn what might have been one point into three, with Benjamin Sesko’s earlier strike having been cancelled out by Nikola Dovedan.
Openda was, for the 23rd time this season, in the right place at the right time to convert – this time after good work from Mo Simakan on the right – and after scoring wheeled away and leant on the post – just as Henry had little more than 10 year ago when he struck for RBL’s sister club, New York Red Bulls.
French World Cup winner Henry had scored in a 2-0 win over Toronto in September 2013, kicking off a meme on social media with content creators, fans and others recreating his post with the Leaning Tower, Pokeman and much more.
Openda and Henry have worked together on Belgium international duty, and the former previously admitted he would like the latter – who now oversees France U21s – as his national team manager.
Highlights vs. Heidenheim
Career stats
- Thierry Henry
Clubs: Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona, NY Red Bulls
Games: 794
Goals: 360
Honours: Premier League (x2), La Liga (x2), Champions League, World Cup, plus 11 more major honours
- Lois Openda:
Clubs: Club Brugge, Vitesse, Lens, RB Leipzig
Games: 234
Goals: 91
Honours: Belgian Pro League and Super Cup, DFL Supercup