LEUVEN, Belgium – OH Leuven have secured their place in the Europe Play-Offs of the Jupiler Pro League with a heart-stopping 1-0 victory over Antwerp on Sunday, March 22, 2026. A 90th-minute goal from substitute Sory Kaba proved to be the difference, sending the home fans at Den Dreef into raptures and ensuring OHL avoid the relegation play-downs.
The match appeared destined for a goalless draw for the majority of the contest, but Kaba’s late intervention dramatically altered the landscape of the Jupiler Pro League standings. The result is particularly significant as Zulte Waregem, a rival for a play-off spot, likewise secured a 1-0 win against Charleroi, but Leuven’s victory allowed them to maintain twelfth place and secure the coveted play-off berth.
The game was a tightly contested affair, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock. Antwerp’s Noe Dussenne received a yellow card in the 5th minute, setting the tone for a physical encounter. Zeno Van Den Bosch of OH Leuven was also cautioned in the 39th minute, followed by Vincent Janssen in the 50th. However, the turning point of the match arrived shortly after Janssen’s yellow card, as Van Den Bosch received a second yellow card and was subsequently sent off, leaving Leuven with a numerical advantage.
Leuven head coach made a tactical change in the 63rd minute, bringing on Sory Kaba for Henok Teklab. This substitution would ultimately prove decisive. Further substitutions followed for both sides as they sought to gain an edge, with Xander Dierckx replacing Eran Tuypens for Leuven in the 71st minute, and Thibaud Verlinden making way for Mathieu Maertens a minute later. Antwerp responded with changes of their own, bringing on Youssef Hamdaoui for Vincent Janssen in the 78th minute.
As the game entered its final stages, the tension continued to mount. Glenn Bijl received a yellow card for Antwerp in the 82nd minute. More substitutions followed, with Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi replaced by Kyan Vaesen for Leuven, and Noe Dussenne making way for Davis Opoku and Birger Verstraete for Wouter George for Antwerp, all in the 84th minute. Youssef Maziz also received a yellow card for Antwerp in the same minute.
With the clock ticking down, Leuven continued to press for a winner. Gyrano Kerk was replaced by Marwan Al Sahafi for Antwerp in the 86th minute, and Glenn Bijl was substituted for Boubakar Kouyaté. Then, in the 90th minute, the moment arrived. Sory Kaba, having been introduced as a substitute, found the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Leuven faithful. Kaba received a yellow card immediately after the goal.
The goal secured not only a vital three points for OH Leuven but also their participation in the Europe Play-Offs. The win means Leuven will compete for a place in European competition next season, a significant achievement for the club. The dramatic nature of the victory, coming in the final minute of regular time, adds to the sense of occasion.
Sory Kaba, who currently plays as a forward for OH Leuven and the Guinea national team, has proven to be a valuable asset for the club. His late goal against Antwerp is the latest example of his ability to deliver when it matters most. Kaba has a history of impactful performances, having previously played for clubs such as Dijon, Midtjylland, and Cardiff City.
The result also has implications for other teams in the Jupiler Pro League. Zulte Waregem, despite their own victory over Charleroi, will now participate in the relegation play-downs, alongside La Louvière and Dender. The relegation play-downs will be a fiercely contested battle as these teams fight to avoid dropping into the second tier of Belgian football.
OH Leuven’s journey to securing a Europe Play-Off spot has been a testament to their resilience and determination. They have consistently battled to stay above the relegation zone, and their late surge has ultimately paid off. The club will now gaze forward to the challenges that lie ahead in the play-offs, hoping to build on this momentum and achieve further success.
The win over Antwerp marks a significant moment in the club’s recent history. It is a victory that will be remembered fondly by the fans and players alike, and it sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Jupiler Pro League season. The Europe Play-Offs promise to be a thrilling spectacle, and OH Leuven will be determined to make their mark.
Next up for OH Leuven is their first match in the Europe Play-Offs, details of which will be announced by the league in due course. Fans are encouraged to follow the club’s official channels for updates on the schedule and ticket information.
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