Leuven Secures Europe Play-off Spot with Late Kaba Winner vs. Antwerp | Match Report & Highlights

Leuven, Belgium – OH Leuven clinched a spot in the European Play-offs of the Belgian Pro League on Sunday, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Royal Antwerp. The decisive goal, a header from Sory Kaba in the 89th minute, sparked jubilant scenes at Den Dreef stadium and capped a resilient performance from the home side.

The match was a tense affair from the outset, with both teams vying for control. Early in the game, Antwerp’s Janssen appeared to have opened the scoring, but the goal was disallowed after a review determined a foul had been committed on OH Leuven’s Verstraete prior to the attempt. This early reprieve seemed to galvanize the home side.

OH Leuven, under the guidance of head coach Felice Mazzù, demonstrated tactical flexibility throughout the match. Mazzù made a key adjustment to the starting lineup, bringing Schrijvers into the team in place of the suspended Lakomy. Verlinden also stepped in to fill the void left by the suspended Gil. Antwerp manager Oosting responded by starting Dierckx in place of the also-suspended Foulon.

The first half saw limited clear-cut chances, though OH Leuven created some promising moments. A shot from Schrijvers was blocked, and Nyakossi’s follow-up went narrowly wide. Akimoto delivered a dangerous cross that required a smart save from Antwerp goalkeeper Nozawa. A yellow card for Antwerp’s Van Den Bosch for a foul on Maziz and a header from Ikwuemesi were the other notable events of the opening 45 minutes.

Antwerp Reduced to Ten Men

The complexion of the match shifted dramatically early in the second half when Antwerp’s Van Den Bosch received his second yellow card, resulting in a red card and leaving his team a man down. OH Leuven capitalized on the numerical advantage, controlling possession and pushing forward with increased intent. A powerful effort from Akimoto struck the post, signaling their growing dominance.

Mazzù made a tactical substitution just after the hour mark, bringing on Kaba in place of Teklab, clearly seeking to inject fresh energy into the attack. Schrijvers then had two quick opportunities, first seeing a shot deflected into a corner and then heading the resulting corner just wide of the target. Maertens replaced Verlinden in the 72nd minute, adding another attacking option for the home side.

A moment of frustration followed shortly after, as Maziz thought he had scored, only for the linesman to raise his flag for offside against Kaba, who had provided the assist. Despite the setback, OH Leuven continued to press, creating a flurry of chances in the final stages.

Kaba’s Late Heroics Seal Victory

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute. Following a corner, Sory Kaba rose highest to powerfully head the ball into the back of the net, sending the Den Dreef crowd into raptures. The goal secured not only the victory but also a coveted place in the European Play-offs.

“We haven’t done what people expected of us this season, but God gave us a chance today and we took it,” Kaba said after the match, as reported by the club. “It’s been a difficult time for me. I haven’t played much in recent weeks because Ikwuemesi was doing very well. I came back to this team to support. Leuven has given me a lot in my career. Today, I had to grant something back.”

This result marks a significant achievement for OH Leuven, who are now poised to compete for a European qualification spot. The European Play-offs represent a crucial stage of the season, offering a pathway to compete in continental competitions like the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Felice Mazzù’s tactical acumen and ability to motivate his players have been instrumental in OH Leuven’s success. His willingness to make impactful substitutions, as evidenced by the introduction of Kaba, proved decisive in securing the victory. Mazzù took over the managerial role at OH Leuven on October 26, 2025, according to recent reports, replacing Hans Somers.

OH Leuven’s next challenge will be a crucial fixture against [Opponent and Date to be confirmed], as they continue their pursuit of European football. The team will undoubtedly be buoyed by the momentum generated from this hard-fought win and the unwavering support of their passionate fanbase.

The club’s official website, ohl.be, will provide further updates and information regarding the European Play-offs schedule and preparations.