KSC Lokeren produced a ruthless cup performance on Sunday, September 27, 2026, dismantling KFC Houtvenne 5-0 in the Belgian Cup. The home side were in control from the opening whistle, scoring early and never allowing the visitors a route back into the tie.

Match overview

Competition: Belgian Cup
Final score: KSC Lokeren 5-0 KFC Houtvenne
Date: September 27, 2026
Venue: Daknamstadion, Lokeren

First half: Lokeren set the tone

Lokeren needed little time to assert their authority. A high press forced Houtvenne into early turnovers, and the opener arrived when the home side's striker latched onto a through ball and finished low into the far corner. The second came from a set piece, a whipped delivery met with a powerful header. Houtvenne's goalkeeper made two sharp saves to keep the score down, but Lokeren added a third before half-time after a quick counter-attack down the right.

Second half: no let-up

Any hope of a Houtvenne comeback was extinguished early in the second half. Lokeren's midfield continued to dominate possession, and a fourth goal arrived from a well-worked move on the edge of the box. The fifth was the pick of the bunch: a flowing team move finished first-time from inside the penalty area. Houtvenne defended with more resolve in the final 20 minutes, but they rarely threatened the Lokeren goal.

Key moments

• Early opener: Lokeren's pressure rewarded with a clinical finish inside the first 15 minutes.
• Set-piece second: A corner routine doubled the lead and forced Houtvenne to chase the game.
• Third before the break: A fast break made it 3-0 and effectively ended the contest.
• Second-half masterclass: Two more goals, including a sweeping team move, completed the rout.
• Clean sheet: Lokeren's back line dealt comfortably with Houtvenne's limited attacks.

Tactical story

Lokeren lined up in a 4-3-3 and used their wide players aggressively, stretching Houtvenne's back four and creating overloads in the half-spaces. The visitors sat deep in a 4-4-2 block, hoping to frustrate and counter, but they struggled to keep possession long enough to relieve pressure. Lokeren's pressing traps won the ball back quickly, and their quick transitions turned defence into attack before Houtvenne could reset.

Standout performers

Lokeren's central midfield dictated the tempo, winning second balls and linking play with sharp one-twos. The centre-back pair were untroubled and helped build attacks from the back. For Houtvenne, the goalkeeper deserved credit for several saves that prevented an even heavier defeat, while their captain tried to organise a defence under constant siege.

What it means

The win sends KSC Lokeren into the next round of the Belgian Cup with confidence and a statement of intent. For KFC Houtvenne, the cup run ends, but the experience against a higher-ranked opponent offers lessons for their league campaign. Lokeren will now turn their attention to the next cup draw and the chance to make a deeper run in the competition.