In Club NXT's busy schedule, the semifinal of the U21 cup competition in and against Rc Genk was on the calendar. A huge challenge to secure a place in the final against Anderlecht. After all, coach Rik De Mil could only bring goalkeeper Nick Shinton from the first team to Limburg. Moreover, captain Xander Blomme fell ill just before the match. In addition, some star players were allowed to watch from the bench in view of the crucial games in the league against Zulte-Waregem and Cercle.
Liam De Smet got his first start of the season replacing Xander Blomme and immediately created the first big chance to open the scoring. However, his shot turned wide of the right post. Arne Engels kicked a free kick over the crossbar. It was not at all noticeable that Club NXT was playing without its star players. Our youngsters went all out! Goalkeeper Penders pushed a new Blauw-Zwart attempt into a corner. Mathis Servais kicked it perfectly in front of goal, but Engels was inches short of pushing the ball in. Goalkeeper Nick Shinton then in turn prevented the Genkies' opening goal when he was just able to snatch the ball from a Genk attacker. It would have been an undeserved lead as Club NXT jammed high and was lord and master. Servais saw his blast shatter the goalpost. Only just before half time Genk could threaten danger on a counter, but Van De Perre's attempt disappeared wide of the Bruges goal. 0-0 at halftime, there was more to come for our yougsters.
Cold shower
The home team came out of the dressing room more eager. A first chance fortunately stranded in the side netting. But Club NXT quickly restored the balance. Aelterman painted a nice cross for goal, but Servais headed over the cross. On the hour, ball loss was punished by a quick counter-action from the home team. It was finally Kelvin John who was able to net the 1-0 centrally. A cold shower. Coach De Mil replaced Servais and Cuevas with Vanraefelghem and Sabbe. Blauw-Zwart went in search of the equalizer. Sylla tried from just a bit too far; the Genk goalkeeper had no trouble with it. Almost the 2-0 fell via a lob from Van De Perre but Sabbe was able to turn the ball just before the line. The goal finally fell on the other side. Aelterman was able to put the 1-1 on the scoreboard in two shots. His first blast landed on the crossbar. Afterwards, Talbi missed the chance for a deserved Bruges lead. Unfortunately, he aimed right at the Genk goalkeeper. In the same minute, Shinton saved Club NXT from falling behind. He was able to push the ball away and it ended up on the roof of the Bruges goal. The match remained very exciting. Talbi missed another giant chance and kicked over an empty goal.
Genk was then awarded a free kick in front of the penalty area by the referee. In the rebound, substitute Thomas Claes was able to pop the leather into the top corner in one go. A tough verdict for our youngsters who then went all out to still get a draw and qualify via penalty kicks. During the final offensive, in which captain Ibe Hautekiet joined in the attack, hands were twice not penalized with a penalty kick. Thus the match ended 2-1 and Club NXT U21 stranded undeservedly in the semifinals of the U21 Cup. As of Monday, the focus is fully on the competition where a place among the first four is the ultimate goal. Monday awaits the derby against Zulte Waregem at The Nest. A warm call to all supporters to come and support our youngsters.
Goals: 59' John 1-0, 72' Aelterman 1-1, 84' Claes 2-1.
Club NXT: Nick Shinton, Mauricio Cuevas (63' Kyriani Sabbe), Ibe Hautekiet, Abakar Sylla, Lukas Mondele, Liam De Smet, Mathis Servais (63' Keano Vanraefelghem), Arne Engels, Noah Aelterman, Chemsdine Talbi, Ibrahima Fofana (86' Jorne Spileers).
Coach: Rik De Mil.
RC Genk: Mike Penders, Nolan Martens, Matisse Didden, Faissal Al Mazyani, Sam De Grand, Kamiel Van De Perre, Arne Cuypers, Jay-Dee Geusens (71' Thomas Claes), Kelvin John (63' Faissal Boujemaoui), Adnane Abid (63' Bilal El Khannouss), Mika Godts.
Coach: Hans Somers.
Yellow cards: Cuevas, Godts, Mondele, De Grand, Sabbe.