KSC Lokeren beat Houtvenne 5-0 as Sam Van Aerschot scored four goals

Van Aerschot Leads the Way With Four Goals

The visiting side established control through an exceptional individual display from Van Aerschot, who netted the game’s first four goals before teammate Duku rounded off the scoring to seal the 5-0 scoreline. Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws after the match, Van Aerschot acknowledged the rarity of his feat. “I’ve scored a hat-trick before, but four goals is truly unique,” he said, noting that everything seemed to go right during the fixture.

Overcoming a Slow Start Under Stijn Vreven

Despite the eventual margin of victory, manager Stijn Vreven made his dissatisfaction known during the halftime interval. Van Aerschot admitted that Lokeren lacked intensity and looked too sluggish during the opening 45 minutes against their amateur opponents, drawing criticism from the coaching staff in the dressing room.

Professional Quality Decides the Match After the Break

The second half exposed the gulf in class between the professional outfit and Houtvenne. Van Aerschot pointed to Lokeren’s daily training routines, automated tactical patterns, and superior match pace as the decisive factors that turned the tide. “The score could have been even higher, but we took our foot off the gas,” he explained regarding the later stages of the fixture.

Targeting an Upset in the 1/16 Finals

With qualification secured for the next round, attention has quickly turned to potential opponents as Jupiler Pro League clubs enter the draw. Van Aerschot admitted a local derby against Beveren would provide a great atmosphere for the supporters, while also expressing openness to traditional clubs like KV Mechelen or Royal Antwerp FC.

However, the forward ultimately set his sights on a high-profile matchup against a top-tier powerhouse, suggesting that Lokeren could capitalize on complacency or rotated lineups from a major side. “Give me Standard, at Sclessin,” Van Aerschot said. “They are there for the taking.”