On Matchday 24 of the Challenger Pro League, KAS Eupen suffered a disappointing defeat against La Louvière. Despite the support of around 100 euphoric, costumed fans who turned Carnival Friday into a colorful spectacle, Mersad Selimbegović’s team was unable to build on their recent performances and had to return home empty-handed.

First Half – Trailing at the Break

The match started with an early chance for KAS Eupen in the 6th minute. Yentl Van Genechten fired a shot, but La Louvière’s goalkeeper, Peano, deflected it over the crossbar. Just a few minutes later, in the 11th minute, the home team created their first dangerous opportunity, but Jan Gorenc blocked the shot.

Then, in the 14th minute, Eupen fell behind early. La Louvière capitalized on a situation that may have been offside to take a 1-0 lead. Eupen tried to respond, but a header from Gorenc in the 15th minute was saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

Although KAS Eupen showed effort in the first half, they lacked attacking power. The Pandas rarely posed a real threat in front of goal and struggled to create significant chances. As a result, they went into halftime trailing 1-0.

Second Half – Lack of Precision in Finishing

After the break, Eupen attempted to increase the pressure, but the game remained largely controlled by the hosts. An early chance in the 47th minute, when Van Genechten won the ball and passed to Déom, ended in a missed opportunity as Philip Ejike failed to control the ball.

As the game progressed, KAS Eupen continued to lack precision and attacking efficiency. In the 60th minute, Selimbegović made substitutions, bringing on Wedingo and Hendrickx to add fresh energy and new tactical options. Despite a more offensive approach, Eupen struggled to create clear-cut chances.

Meanwhile, La Louvière remained dangerous and continued to put pressure on Eupen. In the 80th minute, the home team scored again, making it 2-0 and sealing the game. In the final minutes, Eupen attempted to fight back, but their attacks lacked accuracy and effectiveness. A shot against the post in the 83rd minute and another strike hitting the woodwork in the 87th minute were not enough to turn the game around.

Conclusion

KAS Eupen was unable to replicate their performances from recent weeks. The team not only lacked precision in finishing but also the necessary attacking presence. The Pandas struggled to create goal-scoring opportunities and failed to show the required decisiveness in crucial moments. La Louvière, on the other hand, was the more dangerous side and punished Eupen’s weaknesses. Following this 2-0 defeat, the Pandas must bounce back and take advantage of their next opportunity.

Key Moments of the Match:

• 6’ – First chance for KAS Eupen: Van Genechten shoots with his left foot, but Peano deflects the ball over the bar.
• 11’ – First opportunity for La Louvière, blocked by Gorenc.
• 14’ – 1-0 for La Louvière – Possible offside situation.
• 15’ – Gorenc’s header saved by the goalkeeper.
• 34’ – Eupen has slightly more possession.
• 45’ – Halftime, La Louvière leads 1-0.
• 47’ – Van Genechten wins the ball and passes to Ejike, who fails to control it.
• 50’ – Free kick for La Louvière after a foul on Kennedy.
• 55’ – Cross from Déom into the box, but no danger.
• 57’ – Renner prevents the 2-0.
• 60’ – Substitutions for Eupen: Wedingo and Hendrickx replace Caliskan and Keita.
• 66’ – Renner stops a counterattack from La Louvière.
• 70’ – More substitutions: Emond replaces Kennedy, and Gedikli comes on for Ejike.
• 72’ – La Louvière counterattacks against Alloh, but the shot misses the target.
• 77’ – Emond’s header goes just wide.
• 80’ – 2-0 for La Louvière.
• 83’ – Nearly 3-0, as the ball hits the post.
• 87’ – Another shot from the opponent hits the post.
• 90’ – Four minutes of added time.

Final Score: 0-2 in favor of La Louvière.