In a thrilling showdown at Den Dreef, OH Leuven clinched a narrow 3-2 victory over Dender, securing crucial points in the Jupiler Pro League's regular season. The match kicked off with a bang as Dender's Roman Kvet found the net in the 7th minute, setting an early tone. However, OH Leuven responded swiftly, with Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi equalizing in the 16th minute, assisted by Mathieu Maertens. Łukasz Łakomy then put the hosts ahead before halftime, finishing off a pass from Thibaud Verlinden in the 40th minute.
Dender's Resilience and Kaba's Decisive Moment
The second half saw Dender pushing hard to level the scores, eventually earning a penalty in the 90th minute which Bruny Nsimba calmly converted, bringing the match to a tantalizing 2-2 draw. Yet, it was OH Leuven's Sory Kaba who stole the spotlight, converting a penalty in the final moments of extra time to seal the win for the home side. This last-minute drama kept the home fans on the edge of their seats and ensured OH Leuven's ascent up the league table.
Statistics Tell the Story
Despite Dender enjoying 59% possession and a higher pass accuracy at 78%, OH Leuven's efficiency in front of goal made the difference. With eight shots on target and a solid defensive performance led by Takahiro Akimoto's three interceptions, OH Leuven capitalized on their chances. Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, with three shots on target and a standout player rating of 8, was pivotal in their offensive strategy.
Looking Ahead
OH Leuven's recent form, marked by draws and now a win, reflects a stable trajectory as they aim for higher league standings. The victory provides a morale boost, setting a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures. Meanwhile, Dender, despite the loss, showed resilience and will look to refine their approach as they continue in the league.
