Mechelen took the lead at Zulte Waregem, 1-2, in the first leg of the Belgian Cup semi-finals. Essevee led via Fadera (2nd) but Mechelen managed to win thanks to Storm (25th) and Mrabti (50th).
After less than two minutes, Fader had put Zulte Waregem on track by getting ahead of his defender to victoriously cut through the center of Ndour at the entrance of the six meters (1-0, 2nd). A head of Lopez passed not far from the frame defended by Coucke (17th), before Storm did not equalize thanks to a breakthrough in the surface from the left flank, returning inside to crucify Bossut (1-1, 25e).
Before rest, Shaper benefited from an exceptional opportunity to restore the advantage to Essevee following a failed intervention by the Mechelen defense, but Coucke deflected with his fingertips (45th), allowing his team to return to the locker room tied.
And as soon as it resumed, Mechelen took control thanks to Mrabti (1-2, 50th) at the conclusion of a collective movement and a darting cross from Storm towards the small rectangle. A few minutes later, it was again Vormer who did not exploit an opportunity, completely missing his head when he was absolutely alone, in the opposing six meters (54th).
Zulte Waregem tried to get back into the game, with a volley of Bruls after a good collective movement (72nd), then with a shot too high from Ndour (75th). The Essevee even found themselves in numerical superiority after Lavalée’s second yellow card (85th), but the last chances for Drambaev (90th+1) and Vormer (90th+3) gave nothing.
After Union’s victory against Antwerp on Wednesday (1-0) in the other semi-final first leg, Mechelen opted for the Belgian Cup final. The return match takes place on February 28 in Mechelen.
