Lommel and Kerels start Coupe de Belgique early, Pro League wait

In the opening round of the Belgian Cup, the newly promoted Lommel and Courtrai – the Kerels – were forced to play a match a week before their fellow Jupiler Pro League clubs enter the competition, underlining the extra hurdle the two sides face in the Coupe de Belgique.

Extra Cup round for the promoted clubs

Les deux promus, Courtrai et Lommel, devaient se farcir un tour de Coupe de Belgique de plus que leurs nouveaux petits camarades de Jupiler Pro League. Most Pro League clubs will make their Croky Cup entry at the round of 16 next month, meaning the two newcomers began their campaign a round earlier.

Courtrai is the première équipe de Jupiler Pro League à tomber en Coupe de Belgique. In their tie against Heist, Thierry Ambrose opened the scoring, Owusu equalised, and Suf Podgoreanu restored the lead before Epolo, the brother of Standard’s goalkeeper, forced a late equaliser in added time.

After 120 minutes the score remained 2‑2 and the match went to penalties. Heist prevailed 5‑4, with Murray‑Campbell seeing his attempt hit the post, allowing the local side to clinch the victory.

Kerels suffer early exit, Lommel progress

Si les Limbourgeois n'ont pas tremblé, les Kerels, en revanche, subissent une nouvelle désillusion, alors que leur début en championnat est déjà raté. The Limbourgeois, meanwhile, have not shaken, keeping a solid start in the league.

Lommel, the other promoted side, negotiated its entry perfectly, imposing a 0‑2 win on the field of Diksmuide Oostende. Reyners and Schoofs helped the Limbourgeois dominate and keep a clean sheet.

The victory means Lommel will meet their new Pro League neighbours in the 1/16 final of the Croky Cup next month. They will join the rest of the Jupiler Pro League clubs who are awaiting their first cup tie.