It was a good day for STVV with the return of Zahiroleslam but also a bad day as they dropped a couple of points in weekend Pro League action.
Mechelen 1 – 1 Sint Truiden
After a long absence from the Canaries line-up, Kaveh Zahiroleslam made his return on Friday night as a 73rd minute substitute with KV Mechelen leading the game thanks to an own goal. The American striker picked up a hamstring injury on November 23rd against Club Brugge in that 7-0 thrashing.
The Kakkers found themselves in the lead after just 26 minutes when a cross from the right flank that was meant for Nikola Storm was redirected into the back of his own net by defender, Wolke Janssen.
In stoppage time the hosts looked ready to put the three points in the bag but second half sub, Andres Ferrari had broke Mechelen when, after Ryo Ogawa’s shot was deflected, it fell to the Uruguayan who sent it into the back of the net from the middle of the 18-yard box.
One point was pretty useless for both teams, especially for the Canaries who are still six points from safety with just three games left to the Pro League regular season. They’ll hope to add some points to climb out of the relegation play-off zone when they host fellow strugglers Kortrijk at the Stayen.
Westerlo 1 – 3 Charleroi
Both Bryan Reynolds and Griffin Yow were in the starting XI when the Gamecocks hosted the Zebras of Charleroi on Saturday night. Yow made way for Aussie midfielder Rhys Youlley in the 80th minute.
Things started well for the hosts with Croatian teen Luka Vušković at it again, scoring for the seventh time this season. It was the defending that let the team down however when Charleroi found the back of the net in the 56th, 62nd and 93rd minutes to deny Westerlo at least one point that would have taken them out of the relegation zone.
Nikola Stulic struck first, coverting a corner for just his second goal of the season. Three points were gone and when the Croatian struck again, they were staring at zero points. Dan Heymans made sure of the result in stoppage time, putting his goal tally into double digits.
Up next for the two Americans is a trip to Leuven, a team fighting for a place in the championship play-off group.
Club Brugge 1 – 2 Standard Liege
After just one point out of a possible nine, les Rouches has returned to the win column with a hard fought victory against the reigning Belgian champions on their home field. Marlon Fossey went the duration and even provided the assist for what turned out to be the game winner.
After a first half stalemate, it was business as usual for the champs as they took the lead with Ferran Jutgla’s fourth goal in the 51st minute. Four minutes later, Christos Tzolis’ studs on Fossey warranted a yellow card. It was his second of the game, having been booked in the first half for diving. Standard didn’t waste any time taking advantage of their numbers superiority.
After Raphael Ordonez blocked a shot inside the box with his hand, the referee pointed to the spot and VAR agreed with the decision. Simon Mignolet saved a penalty last week, but the Club keeper was not as lucky against Andi Zeqiri. One goal apiece after 67 minutes.
In the 85th minute the ball was played up the right wing to Fossey, who outpaced his marker and sent a sweet cross into the box for Dennis Eckert Ayensa to whack into the back of Mignolet’s net.
With all the points, the Walloons find themselves just three points behind Gent for the sixth spot that will give them a chance to compete for the Belgian title. A win next against Anderlecht can put them in that coveted spot.
Notes
Justin Che went the distance for Patro Eisden when they went up against RAAL La Louviere. Patro is holding onto that play-off spot that could seem them competing in the Pro League next season. The 1-1 draw was not the result they were hoping for but next up they’ll be full of confidence against Club Brugge’s reserves.
Devon De Corte came on in the 72nd minute for the Anderlecht Futures as they fought Eupen to a 2-2 draw. Next up will be a home game against Royal Liege.
Kayden Pierre played for an hour for Genk II when they played away against Zulte Waregem. The trip was a wasted one as they fell 3-1 to the league leaders.
