Beveren snatch dramatic draw as Westerlo’s perfect start unravels

Under the floodlights at Het Kuipje, the atmosphere crackled as the referee’s whistle signalled the start of a Jupiler Pro League clash that would see SK Beveren and Westerlo trade blows until the 102nd minute. Wie could not have imagined the roller‑coaster that unfolded, with both sides locked at four goals each after extra time.

Early fireworks

Westerlo opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Shunsuke Saito tucked the ball home, giving the home side a 1‑0 lead. Thirty‑three minutes later Moïse Kaboré restored parity, his strike arriving in the 33rd minute to make it 1‑1.

Mid‑game drama

Norman Bassette then turned the tide, converting a penalty in the 45+1st minute to put Westerlo ahead 2‑1, and adding a second penalty in the 55th minute for a 3‑1 advantage. At the 63rd minute Dylan Ourega replaced Fabio Ferraro, while Bruno Godeau received a yellow (Geel) card two minutes later. The same minute saw Cheick Condé come on for Victor Oluyemi Olatunji, and at the 67th minute Christian Brüls substituted Chris Lokesa.

Beveren’s response

Chris Lokesa, now back on the pitch, struck in the 67th minute to pull SK Beveren level at 3‑2. Victor Oluyemi Olatunji then equalised in the 88th minute, his goal completing a 3‑3 deadlock. He was cautioned with a yellow (Geel) card in the 90+6th minute.

Late twists

The drama intensified as Shunsuke Saito slotted a penalty in the 90+7th minute, restoring Westerlo’s lead to 4‑3. Reda Laalaoui was shown a red card in the 90+9th minute, while Christophe Janssens received a yellow (Geel) card moments later. The home side thought the match was theirs, but the visitors fought back.

Extra‑time heroics

The fourth official added seven minutes of extra time, and in the 102nd minute Victor Oluyemi Olatunji headed the equaliser for SK Beveren, sealing a 4‑4 draw. The match concluded with both teams sharing the spoils after a frantic ninety‑plus‑minute battle.

Season‑opening implications

Westerlo’s failure to secure the win ended their bid for a perfect fifteen‑match start in the top flight, a milestone they had seemed poised to achieve. The draw leaves them on the brink of a 15‑on‑15 record, while SK Beveren walk away with a valuable point away from home.