KAS Eupen lost their third pre-season match ahead of the new season against Dutch Eredivisie side RKC Waalwijk with a score of 1-2, despite delivering a good performance. Compared to their first two test matches against Viktoria Köln and SV Elversberg, KAS Eupen showed an upward trend in form in Waalwijk. Nathan Bitumazala scored a spectacular free-kick to put Eupen ahead 1-0 in the 11th minute. In the second half, Waalwijk increased the tempo and scored twice to secure a 2-1 victory.

Under good weather conditions, RKC Waalwijk and KAS Eupen played an intense match on Saturday afternoon. KAS Eupen started very focused against the physically robust and combative Dutch side, maintaining a compact formation and allowing few opportunities for the opponent.

KAS Eupen created their own chances through quick counter-attacks. Nathan Bitumazala put the Pandas ahead 1-0 with his free-kick into the top corner from about 16 meters in the 11th minute.

Until halftime, KAS Eupen continued to play securely and remained compact. Goalkeeper Abdul Manaf made a good save from a long-range shot, but Eupen couldn’t capitalize on further counter-attack opportunities to extend their lead.

The halftime score was 1-0 for KAS Eupen.

With three fresh players (Regan Charles Cook, Luca Dalla Costa, and Brandon Baiye), KAS Eupen started the second half. Waalwijk then increased the tempo and pressure on KAS Eupen. After a poorly defended cross, Waalwijk equalized in the 55th minute, with Eupen feeling there was a foul by the opponent prior to the goal.

In the 60th minute, Eupen’s coaching duo Kristoffer Andersen and Nicolas Collubry made additional substitutions, allowing all 22 Eupen players to be used.

Shortly after the changes in the Eupen team, Waalwijk scored their second goal in the 65th minute with a nice combination play.

Subsequently, KAS Eupen fought back and increased pressure on the opponent, but couldn’t create the hoped-for chances to equalize at 2-2.

Conclusion: In front of their new head coach Mersad Selimbegović, who was present in Waalwijk, KAS Eupen showed a good overall performance and held their own against a robust Dutch Eredivisie side for much of the match.

KAS Eupen Lineup

– Manaf Nurudeen (60’ Julian Renner)
– Yentl Van Genechten (60’ Alfred Finnbogarson)
– Isaac Nuhu (60’ Gary Magnée)
– Renaud Emond (46’ Brandon Baiye)
– Michael Nathan Bitumazala (60’ Lorenzo Youndje)
– Jérôme Déom (60’ Andrea Piron)
– Amadou Keita (60’ Luca Chavet)
– Pape Niang (46’ Regan Charles-Cook)
– Rune Paeshuyse (60’ David Widlarz)
– Teddy Alloh (60’ Bertan Caliskan)
– Jan Gorenc (46’ Luca Dalla Costa)

Goals

– 11’: 0-1 Nathan Bitumazala
– 55’: 1-1
– 65’: 2-1