Antwerp was not allowed a health walk on the coast last night. The Great Old had to rectify a crooked situation against KV Oostende after the break, but did so with verve. Thanks again to top scorer Frey and record purchase Balikwisha. KVO feels Seraing’s hot breath more and more emphatically in the neck.
From next weekend, the public will again be welcome in the stadiums. Waiting a little too long for the Antwerp fans. In the initial phase of the match against KV Oostende, about twenty supporters of the Great Old were cheering their team on from the roof of a neighboring building. Ten minutes later they were sent down again. Price-quality an expensive move.
A few days ago, the Kystboys saw their mate leave for Genoa with Alexander Blessin. KVO showed itself to be a rudderless ship in the opening phase. Antwerp, which only brought in De Laet for Vines compared to last weekend against Charleroi, dictated the law in the first quarter. After fifteen minutes of football it could have easily been 0-3.
Foto: Isosport
First a good save from Hubert was needed on an attempt by Benson from close range. Then Yusuf pushed a fine cross from the Bataille that had advanced along with it just wide. In the fifteen minutes it was again up to Benson. After a good tap from Frey – the Swiss started the match well – the young Belgian again came alone in front of goal. Again Hubert pushed his attempt just wide.
Ostend had to take advantage of Antwerp’s misses and fought back in the match. However, there were no great opportunities. Only Ambrose could threaten the visitors. The Frenchman came in well from the right. A gliding dive from Butez was needed to keep him from the opening goal.
Ten minutes before half time, Michael Frey started to deal with it himself. Verstraete put the ball nicely in the back of the Ostend defence. Frey worked the leather past Hubert, but was flagged for offside.
Photo: BELGA
Ten minutes later, the same fate befell the home team. After a fight in front of Antwerp’s goal, the ball ended up at Ndicka’s feet. The ball flew past Butez via Bataille’s leg. Euphoria among the visitors. Until VAR also called that party to a halt.
Twice as many Japanese after rest
Priske saw that something had to change and intervened during the break. The Dane kept Yusuf in the locker room. With Miyoshi’s input, he brought the total number of Japanese on the field to two. However, it was the Japanese of the home team who was the first to notice. After a short corner kick, Benson was cut out too easily by KVO winter acquisition Sakamoto. The detached Medley pushed his cross into the far corner. The home team then took the lead.
Photo: BELGA
Antwerp did not give in. On the hour, the Great Old battled to equalize. Nainggolan guided Frey through the defense of KVO with a mock shot. The Swiss did not hesitate and knocked Hubert with a crossed shot. Frey again (for a while) only top scorer.
Ten minutes later it was also up to the Japanese from Antwerp to show himself. After a good deep pass from Bataille, Miyoshi, who hadn’t been in the game too well until then, dived into the corner. The Japanese chose Balikwisha well, who hit the ropes with the 1-2 in one time. A feat of willpower from the Great Old.
Antwerp still has a make-up match against KV Kortrijk ahead, but after a new victory it is already approaching Union with seven points. The Great Old even jumps (temporarily) to second place in the standings. In two weeks, the topper awaits against the leader. With public. Ostend is gradually getting warm underfoot. Seraing, the penultimate, is now only four points behind. Whoever it will be: the new coach will have his job.
Photo: BELGA
