Anderlecht’s international representatives saw mixed fortunes during the recent break, highlighted by Danylo Sikan’s return to the Ukraine squad and a standout performance from Czech midfielder Ambros, DHnet reported. While some players secured crucial minutes to regain match fitness, others faced injury protocols or difficult results in the UEFA Nations League and qualifying fixtures.
Danylo Sikan Returns to Form for Ukraine
Danylo Sikan made a successful return to international duty after being named in the Ukraine squad for the first time since November 2023. The forward celebrated his comeback by scoring the decisive goal against Hungary in the Nations League B. His strike secured a 1-0 victory for his side, with Sikan earning man-of-the-match honors before being substituted late in the game. Although he featured against Georgia and Northern Ireland, he was unavailable for the final fixture against Hungary, which ended in a 1-2 defeat.
Ambros Impresses Against World Champions
Despite the Czech Republic’s difficult campaign in Nations League A, midfielder Ambros caught attention during the team’s challenging run of fixtures against Croatia, England, and Spain. After making his debut as a starter against Croatia, Ambros was again selected for the lineup against Spain. During that match, he executed a notable nutmeg on Baena, a moment of individual flair despite the team’s 3-1 loss. Reflecting on his career progress during the break, Ambros credited working with a mental coach as a critical factor in his professional development, stating that the decision has been beneficial for his performance.
Maamar and Bentayeb in Morocco Squad
Anderlecht’s Moroccan contingent faced varying circumstances during the international window. Maamar earned his first start for the Atlas Lions in a 2-0 victory over Gabon during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He later returned to the starting eleven for a 1-1 friendly draw against Mali, noting that he is currently in a learning phase while training alongside Hakimi. His teammate Bentayeb, meanwhile, was sidelined for the Gabon match following a concussion protocol after a collision with Lemoine. He was cleared to return for subsequent matches, appearing as a substitute against Lesotho and Mali.
Reabciuk and Cvetkovic Find Match Fitness with National Teams
Reabciuk, who joined Anderlecht following the expiration of his contract at Spartak Moscow, utilized the international break to build match fitness. Representing Moldova in the Nations League C, he played three matches, including two full 90-minute appearances. He was recognized as the standout player in the match against the Faroe Islands, providing a necessary rhythm boost after missing the club’s pre-season. Elsewhere, Cvetkovic continued his role with the Serbian national team. Despite a difficult run of results against Greece, the Netherlands, and Germany, Cvetkovic scored against the Dutch, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by van Dijk.
Youth Prospects Gain International Experience
Several young Anderlecht players represented their respective nations at the youth level, frequently facing off against Dutch counterparts. Onia Seke found the net for the Belgium U19 team during their encounter with the Netherlands, a match that also featured club teammates Ojea and Nga Kana. Adjani Mujangi Bia scored for the Belgium U17 side during their match against the Dutch, showing how the club's youth academy players are developing internationally.
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