RFC de Liege 0–1 Sint-Truidense: Striped One Sinks the Reds in Pre-Season Friendly

In a closely contested pre-season friendly played on 23 July 2026, Belgian First Division B side RFC de Liege fell 1–0 to top-flight visitors Sint-Truidense. The match, held at the Stade de la Rochette in Liege, served as a vital fitness test for both squads ahead of the new campaign. Sint-Truidense, known for their organised defensive structure, emerged victorious thanks to a solitary second-half goal.

Match Overview

Both teams fielded mixed line-ups, rotating between first-team regulars and fringe players. RFC de Liege started brightly, pressing high and forcing an early corner, but failed to capitalise. Sint-Truidense gradually took control of possession, with midfielder Abu Francis dictating the tempo from the centre of the park. The deadlock was broken in the 63rd minute when a swift counter-attack saw striker Fatih Kaya slot home from a tight angle after a defence-splitting pass from Matteo Brunet.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: RFC left-back Thibault Moulin forced a sharp save from Sint-Truidense goalkeeper Maxime Delanghe with a long-range drive.
• 54th minute: A controversial offside call ruled out a header from Liege striker Maxime Cavelier after a free-kick delivery.
• 63rd minute: Fatih Kaya’s clinical finish gave the visitors the lead against the run of play.
• 79th minute: RFC substitute Enzo Mazzeo headed just over the bar from a corner, their best chance to equalise.

Tactical Story

Sint-Truidense manager Torsten Fink set his team up in a compact 4-5-1, absorbing pressure before hitting on the break. RFC de Liege, playing a 4-3-3, dominated territory but lacked a cutting edge in the final third. The visitors’ discipline out of possession proved decisive: they allowed only three shots on target and closed down passing lanes effectively. For RFC, the lack of a natural finisher was evident, as they created eight chances but failed to convert.

Standout Players

For Sint-Truidense, Abu Francis was a commanding presence in midfield, completing 91% of his passes and making four tackles. Fatih Kaya’s goal was his third of the pre-season, showing excellent movement. For RFC, central defender Dylan Wenzel made several crucial interceptions but was left exposed for the goal.

Season Impact

This friendly result builds confidence for Sint-Truidense as they prepare for their Belgian Pro League opener. For RFC de Liege, the defeat highlights areas to address—particularly finishing—before their own league campaign begins. Both teams will use the remaining friendlies to sharpen their form.