In a thrilling finale to the Challenger Pro League, Jelle Vossen emerged as the hero for Zulte Waregem, scoring a late winner to secure the title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over RWDM. This match, held on a tense evening, saw Zulte Waregem clinch the championship while simultaneously dashing RWDM's hopes of promotion.
The stakes were high as the two top teams faced off, with Zulte Waregem needing a win to take the crown and RWDM requiring at least a draw to secure their promotion to the top flight. The match unfolded in a gripping manner, with both teams showcasing their determination to seize the moment.
It was RWDM that started the match with the sharper edge, looking to capitalize on their opportunity. However, after a quarter of an hour, Zulte Waregem began to assert their presence. Despite several attempts by Vossen to score, including three close calls thwarted by RWDM's goalkeeper Lathouwers and defenders, it was Petr Hedl who broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. Hedl headed home from a well-placed cross by Wilguens Paugain, sending the home crowd into raptures as Zulte Waregem took a 1-0 lead.
As the second half unfolded, RWDM came out with renewed vigor, knowing they needed to respond. Their efforts paid off in the 69th minute when striker Biron skillfully controlled a long ball and slotted it past Zulte Waregem's goalkeeper Van der Gouw, leveling the score at 1-1. This goal momentarily restored hope for RWDM, who were now virtually on course for promotion.
But the drama was far from over. With just five minutes left on the clock, Vossen, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, found himself in the right place at the right time. After a swift counterattack, he was expertly set up by his teammate Opoku, and with a deft touch, he lifted the ball over Lathouwers to make it 2-1. This was Vossen's 15th goal of the season, a fitting way to seal the title for Zulte Waregem.
After scoring, Vossen was visibly emotional. "This is really unbelievable. I’ve had many beautiful moments in my career, but after the relegation with Zulte Waregem, I had a big goal to bring them back to first class. I gave everything for this, and now it’s happening. You can’t write a better ending," he exclaimed, tears in his eyes as he celebrated with his teammates.
Vossen dedicated the victory to his family, saying, "I think of my parents, my wife, my children, my family. They know how much I wanted this; I promised the title to my daughter. I’m so proud of this team and this club. It’s been five years since I’ve been here. It’s been a tough journey, but this makes it all worthwhile. It’s a very emotional night. I think we won’t sleep much; we have a whole weekend to celebrate!"
As the final whistle blew, signaling Zulte Waregem's triumph, the stadium erupted in celebration. Fans stormed the pitch, joyfully embracing the players who had fought so hard to reclaim their place in the top tier of Belgian football.
Meanwhile, the mood was somber for RWDM, who had hoped to secure promotion but fell short despite a valiant effort. Their coach, Ferrera, was sent off in the dying moments of the match after receiving a second yellow card for protesting a decision, a reflection of the frustration felt by the team as they watched their dreams slip away.
Adding to RWDM's disappointment was the news from the other crucial match involving La Louvière and Lommel. La Louvière's victory over Lommel meant that RWDM would miss out on promotion altogether, leaving them to ponder what could have been.
In the end, Zulte Waregem's victory not only crowned them champions but also marked a triumphant return to the first division, a feat that seemed a distant dream just a season ago. The emotional rollercoaster of the match, combined with the narrative of redemption for Vossen and his teammates, made for a story that will be remembered by fans for years to come.
As Zulte Waregem celebrates its championship, the club looks forward to the challenges of the upcoming season in the top tier, while RWDM will have to regroup and strategize for another attempt at promotion next year.
