Club NXT U23 started the season with a home game against Lierse-Kempenzonen. Blue-Black immediately put in a sterling performance. Shion Homma was the conductor of the team. He pushed the team to a higher level. Finishers on duty were captain Vermant with two goals, one before and after halftime. Barbera also scored after halftime, on a pass from Homma. It eventually became 3-2, with an owngoal by Et-Thaïbi and a deflected ball by De Bruyn.
Coach Nicky Hayen could count on Vermant, Homma and goalkeeper Shinton from the A-core. Newcomer Victor Barbera started in the starting lineup, making his debut. With Mohamed 'Mo' Salah and Amine Et-Taïbi, two more newcomers started. At the visitors, some former players of Club NXT signed present with captain Thibaut Van Acker, Obbi Oulare, goalkeeper Jens Teunckens and reserve goalkeeper Jarno De Smet on the bench.
From the first minutes, both teams made it an enjoyable match. Already after just five minutes, Vermant tried to reach Barbera with a chop, but goalkeeper Teunckens caught the ball. On the opposite side, the visitors threatened with a shot by Schouterden that fortunately disappeared wide of the post. Salah worked hard in his first official match for Club NXT and tried to beat the Lierse goalkeeper for the first time, but again Teunckens was on hand. Shinton in turn had no problems with a header from Oulare. In the special 23rdminute the ball got stuck in the penalty area after an action by Homma. Vermant was able to reach it and nicely kicked in the 1-0. A deserved lead for Club NXT who had the match completely in their hands.
Lierse had a hard time with the high pressing of Blauw-Zwart. Salah intercepted the ball in Kempenaars' half and went straight for goal, but again Teunckens prevented a goal. De Roeve then put perfectly in front of goal, but the goallie of the Pallieters was a split second faster than the onrushing Vermant. It kept raining chances for the home team, but they were unable to score before half time. Lierse in turn had a good opportunity for the equalizer. Captain Van Acker intercepted the ball and went for his chance, but his shot was too weak and disappeared wide of Shinton's goal. On the stroke of halftime, a corner kick by the visitors sent a blast onto the crossbar. We went to rest with a deserved 1-0 lead.
