Lommel press for first goal as OH Leuven await Van den Heuvel's debut

Lommel SK opened the scoring against OH Leuven when Stredair Appuah fired home in the 35th minute, leaving the home side trailing 0‑1. The Jupiler Pro League encounter at Den Dreef was broadcast LIVE, and Leuven were still unable to test new goalkeeper Van den Heuvel, who remained on the bench.

Early action and first booking

The referee blew the whistle at 18:16, and the match kicked off under a light drizzle at Den Dreef. From the first minute Lommel pressed high while OH Leuven tried to organise their back line. At the 12th minute Takuya Ogiwara was shown a Geel card after a robust challenge with Pelupessy. Both sides generated early chances, but the ball rarely found the net.

OH Leuven's forward Lakomy threatened at the 30th minute, forcing a hurried clearance that sailed wide of the goal. A corner taken by Balikwisha a minute later was also squandered, the header missing the target entirely. Lommel's Nypan headed a cross at the 23rd minute, only to be blocked by Siebe Schrijvers, while Lucas Schoofs struck a powerful shot that rattled the post at the 21st minute. The first half continued with Lommel dominating possession but unable to convert.

Appuah's decisive GOAL

GOAL arrived in the 35th minute when Konadu threaded a precise through ball to Stredair Appuah. The striker met the pass, faced Van den Heuvel and calmly placed the ball into the far corner. Appuah's finish gave Lommel a 1‑0 lead that would stand until the final whistle. The score was 0‑1 at 37 minutes, confirming the advantage. Following the strike, Lommel tightened their defensive shape, with Siebe Schrijvers and Lawrence clearing several Leuven attacks. OH Leuven responded quickly, with Siebe Schrijvers attempting a shot that sailed over the bar at the 21st minute of the second half. Despite sustained pressure, the home side could not find an equaliser and the goalkeeper Van den Heuvel remained unused.

Siebe Schrijvers sparks early chance as OHL host Lommel

Leuven's recent form and historical context

OH Leuven entered the game after a narrow 1‑0 win over Francs Borains the previous weekend, a result that secured their place in the next cup round with the smallest margin. Lommel, by contrast, suffered a heavy 4‑1 defeat to Sint-Truiden in their last league outing, leaving them eager to bounce back. The two clubs last met in 2020, when Leuven triumphed 3‑0 in the Challenger Pro League, a match highlighted by a goal from Jérémy Perbet. The current encounter formed matchday nine of the Jupiler Pro League and was streamed live on Facebook.

Rain from the previous storm had eased, but a light drizzle persisted as spectators filtered into the King Power area of Den Dreef. Attendance was modest, with Geert Heremans of Radio 1 noting that the crowd dripped in throughout the evening. The match was covered live, with the broadcast displaying minute‑by‑minute updates and the GOAL icon highlighting Appuah's strike.

Van den Heuvel still awaits his first appearance for Lommel, a test that will likely come in the club's next fixture. Lommel will look to build on the win, while OH Leuven aim to restore confidence after the setback.