The match from last weekend against Standard had barely finished, when the next challenge awaited our Kemphanen. On a dry but cool Tuesday evening, ’t Kuipje was the setting for the encounter with OHL. Almost the same cast appeared, with only Nick Gillekens joining the starting eleven as the last line of defense for our Kemphanen.

KVC Westerlo Line-up: N. Gillekens, D. Haspolat, M. Frigan, S. Sydorchuk, G. Yow, B. Reynolds (46′ E. Jordanov), R. Tagir (70′ R. Neustädter), T. Rommens (85′ J. Bos), A. Piedfort, L. Stassin (61′ R. Vermant), J. Alcocer (61′ A. Sayyadmanesh)

First Half

Just like against Standard, our Kemphanen claimed possession in the initial stages. However, it was the visitors from OHL who posed the first real threat. An attempt by Maertens flew just over early in the match, and later on, Gillekens demonstrated his prowess in goal by denying efforts from Thorsteinsson and Banzuzi.

While Gillekens kept a clean sheet at the back, Ravil Tagir moved forward. From a corner kick by Dogucan Haspolat, the Turkish defender rose above everyone and headed the opening goal into the net.

Leuven’s response came through a swift counterattack by Braut Brunes. However, it was too swift, as the Norwegian striker was marginally offside, resulting in his chip over Gillekens being disallowed.

In the remainder of the first half, our Kemphanen maintained control and came close to doubling the lead just before halftime. A perfectly executed free-kick by Haspolat was narrowly tipped over the crossbar by the agile Tobe Leysen.

Second Half

Early in the second half, goalkeeper Gillekens endeared himself to the supporters. Not with a remarkable save using his hands, but with a clever move using his feet to dribble past Maertens.

Later in the second half, he had to be fully alert to palm away a shot from Thorsteinsson with his fists. The pressure from Leuven persisted, and with fifteen minutes left on the clock, a deft touch from Maertens finally leveled the score.

In the dying moments, Romeo Vermant attempted a spectacular overhead kick to secure all three points, but his acrobatic effort couldn’t alter the scoreline. Thus, KVC and OHL shared the points at ’t Kuipje.

Report: Glen Van Herck
Photos: Jan De Meuleneir & Peter De Voecht/Photo News