Antwerp FC has already won its last match of 2026 and defeated Zulte Waregem 2-1 thanks to an efficient finish. The Great Old thus confirmed its strong run of the last few weeks. But it will have to be confirmed in the coming calendar year.
The year 2025 was not exactly a great success for the people of Antwerp. No fewer than four different trainers were at the helm of the Bosuil, not exactly a sign of stability and success. The club also avoided European football. And in the first months of the season it even stayed in the relegation zone.
But during the last weeks of the year, RAFC managed to recover in a spectacular way. They started the competition with a strong run of 13 out of 15. In the meantime, they also reached the quarter-finals of the Croky Cup. And to top it all off, the renovated and legendary Tribune 2 finally opened again.
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Road to cup final
People want to continue these past weeks when the season gets underway again in January. Then coach Joseph Oosting’s team will have to be there immediately. Antwerp resumes with a cup match against La Louvière. A ticket for the semi-final is then the direct bet.
And according to analyst/club figurehead Patrick Goots, the Great Old is the favourite. “I expect a lot from the cup. Antwerp got the best draw. It won’t be a piece of cake, but if you eliminate La Louvière you will have a back and forth match against Ghent or Anderlecht. Then the road to the final might be open, because Antwerp will play the return at home,” he said. Gazette of Antwerp.
Six more league victories
In addition, they hope to continue their rise in the competition. In a dream scenario, a ticket for the Champions’ Play-Offs will still be won. “The 13 out of 15 hopes for the best, but we should not float. I think Antwerp still has to get six wins from the remaining ten games to be in the Champions’ Play-offs. The program does not look that tough, but trips to La Louvière, Dender and KV Mechelen are not bite-sized chunks,” said Goots.
