The football clash between STVV and Antwerp wrapped up with both teams sharing the honors, ending the match with a score of 1-1. Didier Lamkel Zé, who made headlines as the scorer for STVV, managed to put his mark on the game against his former club, showcasing his skills and emotional investment.
The match was steeped in emotion, especially as it took place just after the passing of Eddy Wauters, the former president of Antwerp. Before the game kicked off, there was a poignant minute of silence, paying tribute to Wauters, recognizing his contributions to the club.
Antwerp came out strong at the beginning of the match, with head coach Jonas De Roeck fielding Riedewald, Valencia, and 18-year-old Adekami due to several absences including the suspended Alderweireld. It didn’t take long before Antwerp lit up the scoreboard. Just 10 minutes in, Valencia capitalized on Kerk's strike which hit the post, ensuring the score read 0-1.
That early advantage, unfortunately for Antwerp, was soon leveled out. Following what many observers deemed an unwise handball from STVV’s Odoi, Lamkel Zé stepped up to the spot to shoot the penalty. His first attempt was parried by the Antwerp keeper, but he capitalized on the rebound, deftly netting the equalizer and celebrating with flamboyance directed at the visiting fans, showcasing both his skill and his fiery personality.
After bringing the score to 1-1, Lamkel Zé’s confidence grew. While STVV's momentum surged from the equalizer, the match became increasingly heated, with both teams pushing hard for the lead. Lamkel Zé was particularly active, engineering several dangerous chances for STVV and keeping the Antwerp defense on high alert.
Both teams had clear opportunities to take the win. STVV's attacking pressures were noticeable, with chances from Brahimi, Ito, and of course, Zé himself. Antwerp struggled at times to keep the ball under control, with their coach visibly frustrated by the lapses. The second half saw improved play from Antwerp, but the STVV goalkeeper Kokubo was being tested constantly throughout the match, stepping up to deny several threats from Antwerp’s attackers.
De Roeck expressed disappointment over the match, pointing to unnecessary mistakes leading to the giveaway of their advantage. He lamented the performance of the referee during key moments, especially during tackles on Kerk. “I don’t believe we would have won without those mistakes, but it changed the dynamics of the match,” he asserted post-game.
Despite Antwerp pushing for the winner late again and even facing late-game drama with additional cautions and Riedewald receiving his second yellow card leading to his ejection, both teams managed to hold their ground. The final whistle brought the tense affair to a close, with neither side able to secure the three points.
This match marks yet another frustrating outcome for Antwerp, forcing them to confront missed opportunities and tactical adjustments for upcoming challenges. Meanwhile, STVV demonstrated their capacity to fight back and perform against stronger opposition.
Moving forward, the stakes are rising as both teams aim to improve their standing as the season wears on. With Antwerp's upcoming games against top teams like Club Brugge and Anderlecht, determining their resilience and ability to recover from this draw will be key.