Pinto Elias Secures Playoff Berth as Francs Borains Fall 4-0 to Francs Borains in Challenger Pro League Finale
Pinto Elias scored twice as Patro Eisden clinched the final promotion play-off spot in Belgium’s Challenger Pro League with a dominant 4-0 victory over Francs Borains on Friday evening. The win, coupled with RWDM Brussels’ 3-1 loss to KV Kortrijk, secured Patro Eisden’s place in the post-season push for promotion to the Jupiler Pro League even as confirming RWDM’s relegation to the Belgian National Division 1.
The match, played at the Gemeentelijk Stadion in Maasmechelen, saw Pinto Elias open the scoring in the 22nd minute before doubling his tally just before halftime. Additional goals from Julien Duranville and Mohamed Taabouni sealed the comprehensive victory, leaving Patro Eisden with 52 points from 30 matches – just enough to edge out competitors for the eighth and final play-off qualification spot.
Meanwhile, RWDM Brussels’ hopes of avoiding the drop were dashed by a 3-1 defeat at KV Kortrijk’s Guldensporen Stadion. Despite an early goal from Lamine Gassama, Kortrijk responded with three unanswered goals through Mbaye Leye, Dylan Mbayo, and Aymane Gassar to seal RWDM’s fate. The loss leaves RWDM with 38 points, confirming their relegation alongside Olympic Charleroi, who had already been mathematically relegated earlier in the week.
For Patro Eisden, the victory represents the culmination of a season-long effort under head coach Stijn Stijnen, with former Belgian international Radja Nainggolan playing a pivotal role in midfield. Nainggolan’s experience and leadership were instrumental in guiding the young squad through a challenging campaign that saw them overcome early-season inconsistency to peak at the right moment.
The Challenger Pro League play-offs will now feature eight teams competing in a knockout format for the single promotion spot to Belgium’s top flight. Patro Eisden will enter the quarter-finals as the eighth seed, facing the league leaders in what promises to be a challenging opening match.
As the dust settles on a dramatic final matchday, both clubs now face contrasting futures: Patro Eisden with the promise of promotion contention, and RWDM Brussels beginning preparations for life in the Belgian National Division 1 after their relegation from the second tier.
For continued updates on the Challenger Pro League play-offs and all Belgian football action, stay tuned to Archysport.com where we provide comprehensive coverage of Europe’s developing football talent.
