Club NXT U23 loses 4-1 against SK Beveren

Club NXT U23's last match ended in a 4-1 loss against SK Beveren. At halftime our youngsters were leading 0-1 after a great goal by Talbi. In the second half, Beveren went looking for a win, hoping to take the title after all. Shortly after halftime, Mbokani and Barry scored. In the end it became 4-1. Club NXT U23 finished in fourth place with as many points as Beerschot. A great performance after a great season.

In goal, Josef Bursik started for the first time. Jack Hendry got another opportunity to collect playing minutes after his long injury. Talbi also dropped from the first team and Homma returned to the starting lineup after a long absence due to injury. Our youngsters started the first half strongly. Both teams kept each other in balance. The quick-witted Talbi soon showed his talent. He put the ball well in front of goal, but Lenn De Smet just missed. Beveren was warned. Club NXT had most of the ball possession. On a counter from Club NXT U23, captain Seys controlled a quick kick out from goalkeeper Bursik. He laid the ball up to Talbi who served the onrushing Homma. Unfortunately, Filipovic tackled in extremis. On the opposite side, an effort by Hrncar disappeared just wide of the post.

Both teams went resolutely for the opening goal. De Roeve played Talbi into the feet, but he cleverly ran the ball through his legs. Defender Bateau let himself be caught and Talbi delightfully popped the ball past goalkeeper Reus. 0-1! Blue-Black went into halftime with a deserved lead.

Second Half

At the start of the second half, Mbokani headed in the equalizer. Homma tried to floor goalkeeper Reus with a spinning ball, but he worked the ball away with his fists. Soon after, goalkeeper Bursik was able to turn away another attempt by Mbokani, but Barry popped in the rebound to make it 2-1. The signal for coach Milkon to give some youngsters a taste of professional soccer. Mamady Diawara made his debut as a 16-year-old. Seventeen-year-olds Yakymenko and Wameso also got playing minutes.

Beveren pushed on and Hoggas brought the score to 3-1 with a distance shot. Club NXT U23 could not really push through anymore. With Mondele and Jensen, coach Milkon brought in two more new forces. Ribeiro Costa made it 4-1 in the final seconds of the match. Thus, after an exciting season, Club NXT ends in a handsome fourth place with as many points as Beerschot. The first season in the Challenger Pro League is therefore very successful.

Club NXT: Josef Bursik, Jack Henry, Laurens Goemaere, Denzel De Roeve, Jano Willems, Joaquin Seys, William Simba, Liam De Smet, Chemsdine Talbi, Shion Homma, Lenn De Smet. Bench: Henri Maton, Jonathan Foss.
Coach: Hayk Milkon.

SK Beveren: Beau Reus, Everton Luiz, Kevin Hoggas (66' Lucas Ribeiro Costa), David Hrncar (78' Jerome Ngom Mbekeli), Thierno Barry (90' Tom Reyners), Jakov Filipovic, Alexander Corryn (46' Taofeek Ismaheel), Alexandar Vukotic, Sheldon Bateau, Dieumerci Mbokani, Bruny Nsimba (46' Sander Coopman).
Coach: Wim De Decker.

Goals: 37' Talbi 0-1, 49' Mbokani 1-1, 55' Barry 2-1, 66' Hoggas 3-1, 90+2' Ribeiro Costa.

Yellow cards: 34" Liam De Smet, 42' Simba, 42' Vukotic, 56' Henry.

Referee: Kevin Van Damme.

Stadium: Freethiel Beveren.