Kermt Hasselt advanced to the next round of the Belgian Cup with a convincing 3-1 away victory over KFC Mandel United on September 27, 2026. In a match that kicked off in the early hours, the visitors produced a clinical second-half display to see off their stubborn hosts.

Match Overview

Played at Mandel United's home ground, the cup tie began with both sides feeling each other out. Kermt Hasselt, playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, looked to control possession, while Mandel United sat deep and looked to hit on the counter. The deadlock was broken in the 12th minute when Kermt's striker Lars Vandenberghe latched onto a through ball and slotted past the goalkeeper. Mandel responded well and equalised in the 34th minute through a header from a corner, sending the home fans into raptures. However, the joy was short-lived as Kermt regained the lead just before half-time with a fine individual effort from winger Tom Peeters.

Key Moments

• 12' – Lars Vandenberghe opens the scoring for Kermt Hasselt with a low drive.
• 34' – Mandel United equalise through a powerful header from a corner.
• 44' – Tom Peeters restores Kermt's lead with a curling shot into the top corner.
• 67' – Vandenberghe scores his second, converting a cross from the right.
• 89' – Mandel United's late pressure is thwarted by a fine save from the Kermt goalkeeper.

Tactical Story

Kermt Hasselt's midfield duo of Jeroen Claes and Bram Willems controlled the tempo, constantly feeding the wide players who stretched Mandel's back four. Mandel United, despite their equaliser, struggled to maintain possession and were often forced into long balls. Their defensive line was caught out twice by Kermt's clever movement, and the visitors' pressing in the second half prevented any comeback.

Standout Players

Lars Vandenberghe was the hero for Kermt, scoring twice and causing problems all evening with his movement. Tom Peeters also impressed with a goal and an assist, while goalkeeper Stijn Maes made a crucial save late on to preserve the two-goal cushion. For Mandel United, midfielder Kevin De Smet worked tirelessly, but his efforts were in vain.

What It Means

The result sends Kermt Hasselt into the next round of the Belgian Cup, where they will face either a higher-division side or another lower-league opponent in a bid for a memorable cup run. For KFC Mandel United, the focus now shifts back to their league campaign, where they will look to bounce back from this disappointing exit. With an attendance of around 1,200 fans, the atmosphere was lively, but the home supporters left frustrated by their team's inability to hold onto their lead.