Namur, Belgium – A late goal from Cavelier sealed a 3-2 victory for Stockay over UR Namur on Saturday, deepening Namur’s troubles in the First National Division ACFF Relegation Group. The result leaves Namur facing an uphill battle to avoid relegation as they prepare for a crucial match against Charleroi next week.
The match, played under challenging circumstances for Namur following an appeal regarding a previously suspended match against Union B, proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions for both sets of supporters. Namur had hoped to secure a forfeit win against Union B, seeking a 0-5 scoreline, but were ultimately forced to focus on their relegation battle against Stockay.
Stockay drew first blood in the 7th minute, capitalizing on a penalty awarded by referee Jamar. Despite protests from Namur goalkeeper Libertiaux – who reportedly stated after the match, along with the opposing attacker, that the penalty was questionable – Ronvaux calmly converted, sending Libertiaux the wrong way. “I’m a bit disgusted because the attacker and the referee agreed after the match that this penalty didn’t exist,” Libertiaux confided. “It’s the third or fourth like this this season, it’s starting to add up. It’s a reflection of our errors. This time, we’re really in trouble with the Crossing.”
Namur responded well to the early setback, and managed to level the score just before halftime. Loemba’s cross found Carlos Uhia, who expertly volleyed the ball past Alfieri to make it 1-1 in the 44th minute. The equalizer, described as “a little unexpected,” injected renewed hope into the home side.
However, Stockay quickly regained the lead, capitalizing on what was described as a momentary lapse in concentration from Namur. Sternon headed home a Cavelier cross in the 45th minute, leaving Namur with a mountain to climb before the break.
The second half began with Stockay nearly extending their lead, but Cavelier’s shot narrowly missed the target. Namur then found an equalizer through Traoré in the 57th minute, finishing off a move that saw the team break behind the Stockay defense. The goal sparked a brief resurgence from the home side.
But Stockay proved too strong, and Cavelier struck again in the 66th minute with a powerful shot that beat Libertiaux, restoring Stockay’s advantage. Cavelier, who was involved in all three of Stockay’s goals, expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating, “It makes me happy to have a foot in each of our goals even if it’s a collective victory. We weren’t really troubled and this time – unlike the return match lost 0-4 in the classic phase – we converted our chances, they were much more numerous. On the penalty I played it well, and I headed it well with a good jump despite my height. A good day for me!”
Despite a late effort from Namur substitute Eli Honnof, whose header was tipped onto the crossbar by Alfieri in the 74th minute, they were unable to find a late equalizer. Tom Jurdan also had a chance to reduce the deficit late in the game, but failed to convert.
Namur coach Gabor Bukran acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “The absences are not an excuse, especially since the replacements seized their chance as I had hoped. However, we need to have more control of our matches, and that will be a necessity against our next opponents, starting with Charleroi on Saturday.”
The defeat leaves Namur in a precarious position in the relegation group. The team will need to find a significant improvement in form and consistency if they are to avoid the drop. Their next match against Charleroi will be a pivotal moment in their season.
Match Details:
- Score: UR Namur 2 – Stockay 3
- Referee: Jamar
- Yellow Cards: Koumé, Kerstenne, Loiseaux, Kiyine
- Goals: Ronvaux (0-1 pen., 7e), Uhia (1-1, 44e), Sternon (1-2, 45e), Traoré (2-2, 57e), Cavelier (2-3, 66e)
- UR NAMUR: Libertiaux, Chavet, Kerstenne, Foll, Perreira, Uhia, Loemba (76e Bokota), Pierot (70e Musset Quintais), Koumé (70e Honnof), Bertaccini, Traoré
- STOCKAY: Alfieri, Dachelet, Van Den Ackerveken, Sylla (34e Vieuxtemps), Jurdan, Lallemand, Loiseaux (46e Lomba), Cavelier (89e Kalala), Kiyine (78e Bouhlal), Sternon, Ronvaux
Namur will travel to face Charleroi next Saturday, seeking to turn their fortunes around. The match promises to be a tense affair, with both teams desperate for points.
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