The long trip to Maasmechelen gave Club NXT U23 a deserved point. After taking the lead via a header from Furo, it did look for a while like there was nothing to be gained after two goals against by Keano Vanrafelghem, but deep in the second half Shandre Campbell scored the equalizer with a gem.
Coach Veldman was able to call on the De Roeve returning from injury for the first time. He started on the team at the expense of Willems. Lynnt Audoor was kept on the sidelines out of reserve, Faraas was his replacement.
The home team started the match best. Goalkeeper De Corte had to show his talent twice in quick succession. He whipped a free kick out of his goal and afterwards he beat an effort by Van Eenoo over goal. Only after almost a quarter of an hour Club NXT showed itself dangerous. Through an action on the left, Sem Audoor passed the ball to Faraas who crossed to Furo. Our young striker missed and gone was the first giant chance for Blauw-Zwart.
A few minutes later an almost identical action followed. However, it was first Faraas who served Sem Audoor after an individual action. He put perfectly in front of goal, where Furo was able to head motherly alone. 0-1.
On the opposite side, Keano "Kiki" Vanrafelghem showed himself for the first time. From far away, he popped towards De Corte who with a super reflex worked the ball into a corner. After half an hour of play, our youngsters allowed a little too much space and freedom to Vanrafelghem and he popped the ball past goalkeeper De Corte. The signs were back in balance. Patro Eisden pressed on afterwards. It gave them two chances that fortunately went inches wide of the goalpost. So we rested at 1-1.
The first big chance of the second half was for our youngsters. Furo unexpectedly found himself alone in front of goalie Belin. Unfortunately he shot straight at the Limburg goalie. De Roeve then kicked a fine cross, but Furo headed wide this time. At the other end, the home team had more success. Vanrafelghem dribbled too easily through the Club NXT defense and rounded off his individual action with the 2-1. Club NXT was left to chase.
Coach Veldman replaced four players. The match also became a bit firmer with a few yellow cards as a result. Club NXT went in search of the equalizer. This one fell fifteen minutes before time and how! Campbell got the leather after a deflected free kick from Granados, controlled once, and then popped into the top corner from long range with his left. A beautiful goal to frame, his first for Club NXT. But more importantly, the deserved equalizer for Blue-Black.
Eisden seemed tired and could no longer impose its will. Club NXT tried to increase the pressure and still go for the winning goal. A good header by Furo was turned away by the Limburg goalie.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw. A good result for our young team.
After the international break, the home game against Seraing will follow on Friday, September 13. Meanwhile, they play a practice match next Friday in and against Merelbeke.
Club NXT U23: Axl De Corte, Denzel De Roeve (61' Siebe Wylin), Kader Yameogo, Amine Et-Taïbi (61' Jano Willems), Sem Audoor (72' Renzo Tytens), Alejandro Granados, Liam De Smet, Tobias Lund-Jensen (72' Shandre Campbell), Benjamin Faraas, Lenn De Smet, Kaye Furo (82' Daniel Perez). Bench: Argus Vanden Driessche, Laurens Goemaere, Jesse Bisiwu. Coach: Robin Veldman.
Patro Eisden-Maasmechelen: Jordi Belin, Kjetil Borry, Simon Bammens, Jordan Renson, Henk Dijkhuizen, Bafode Dansoko (85' Papa Demba Ndior), Lukas Van Eenoo, Reno Wilmots, Adnane Abid, Keano Vanrafelghem, Vicky KianKaulua. Bench: Gian Geladé, Kevin Kis, Raoul Kenne, Sebas Vreys, Tom Pietermaat, Raphael Sarfo. Coach: Aziz Rejdi.
Goals: 21' Furo 0-1, 31' and 61' Vanrafelghem 1-1 and 1-2, 75' Campbell 2-2.
Yellow cards: 55' Aziz, 68' Benjamin Faraas, 74' Renson, 76' Yameogo, 78' Van Rafelghem.
Referee: Dunken Van de Velde.
Stadium: Eisden Municipal Sports Park Stadium.