KAS Eupen successfully kicked off the new Challenger Pro League season with a strong 3-0 away win against RFC Liège. In an intense and fast-paced match, coach Mersad Selimbegović’s team delivered a solid performance and deservedly secured the first three points of the season.

Right from the start, Eupen took the initiative and created the first scoring opportunity in the 4th minute. Isaac Nuhu delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, but Regan Charles-Cook’s shot was too weak to seriously challenge the opposing goalkeeper. The team continued to press offensively, putting the hosts under pressure. In the 18th minute, Boris Lambert narrowly missed the target after a cross from Nathan Bitumazala, sending the ball into the side netting.

A highlight of the first half came in the 21st minute when Yentl Van Genechten made a solo run from his own half into the Liège penalty area. Unfortunately, Renaud Emond couldn’t find the back of the net, as a defender from the hosts cleared the ball for a corner.

Eupen’s defense also remained vigilant when Liège posed a threat in the 27th minute. A shot from 15 meters was blocked at the last second by defender Rune Paeshuyse. On the other side, a dangerous free kick from Isaac Nuhu narrowly missed the target in the 31st minute.

In the 35th minute, a handball in the Liège penalty area resulted in a penalty for Eupen. Renaud Emond stepped up and confidently converted to give his team a 1-0 lead. Just six minutes later, in the 41st minute, another handball penalty was awarded to Eupen. This time, Emond’s initial attempt was saved by the Liège goalkeeper, but Isaac Nuhu was quick on the rebound, doubling the lead to 2-0.

After the halftime break, Eupen continued where they left off. In the 46th minute, Isaac Nuhu struck the crossbar, creating another moment of excitement. Shortly after, Renaud Emond headed just wide following a corner. In the 59th minute, Regan Charles-Cook’s well-placed shot was denied by Liège goalkeeper Debaty.

Liège tried to apply more pressure in the second half, but Eupen’s defense held firm. In the 66th minute, the hosts made another substitution, but clear chances remained elusive. Eupen, on the other hand, continued to pose a threat. In the 71st minute, Brandon Baiye had a great opportunity after strong pressing but sent the ball over the bar. Shortly after, Liège also narrowly missed the target.

The decisive moment of the match came in the 73rd minute: after excellent work from Nathan Bitumazala, Regan Charles-Cook scored to make it 3-0, sealing the victory. In the closing stages, coach Selimbegović brought on fresh legs to defend the lead. In the 79th minute, Jérôme Déom replaced the strong-playing Brandon Baiye, and in the 87th minute, Bertan Caliskan, David Widlarz, and Jan Gorenc came on for Teddy Alloh, Nathan Bitumazala, and Isaac Nuhu.

Eupen confidently defended their lead and took home the first three points of the season.