RAEC Mons 2-2 Royal Union Tubize-Braine: Late Comeback Stuns Hosts in Belgian First Amateur Division

RAEC Mons were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Royal Union Tubize-Braine in the Belgian First Amateur Division on September 13, 2026. Mons looked in control after building a two-goal lead, but Tubize-Braine produced a stirring late comeback, capped by a stoppage-time equalizer, to snatch a point at Stade Charles Tondreau.

Match Overview

RAEC Mons started the match with purpose and took the lead in the 12th minute when Dylan De Belder reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and smashed it into the roof of the net. The home side doubled their advantage in the 54th minute through Yannick Loemba, who finished calmly after a sweeping counterattack. At that point, Mons appeared to be cruising toward a comfortable victory.

Royal Union Tubize-Braine had other ideas. They changed their shape, introduced fresh legs from the bench, and began to play with far more urgency. Cédric Berthelin pulled one back in the 76th minute with a well-placed header from a corner. Then, deep into stoppage time, Mamadou Sylla pounced on a defensive hesitation and slotted home the equalizer, silencing the home crowd and sparking wild celebrations among the visitors.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Dylan De Belder gives RAEC Mons an early lead with a powerful close-range finish.
• 54th minute: Yannick Loemba makes it 2-0 after a fast break, finishing low past the goalkeeper.
• 76th minute: Cédric Berthelin heads home from a corner to give Tubize-Braine hope.
• 90+3rd minute: Mamadou Sylla equalizes in dramatic fashion, completing the comeback.

Tactical Story

RAEC Mons controlled the first hour with a disciplined 4-3-3 system. Their midfield pressed effectively, and their front three combined well in transition. The second goal seemed to confirm their superiority, but it also led to a subtle drop in intensity. Mons began to sit deeper, inviting pressure, and Tubize-Braine took full advantage.

Tubize-Braine’s manager made tactical adjustments after the second goal, switching to a more direct approach and pushing extra bodies into the box. The introduction of fresh wingers stretched Mons’ defence, and the set-piece goal gave the visitors belief. In the final 15 minutes, Mons struggled to keep possession, and their defensive line dropped closer to the goalkeeper, creating space for Tubize-Braine’s late surge.

Standout Players

Dylan De Belder and Yannick Loemba were bright spots for RAEC Mons, scoring well-taken goals and linking play effectively in the first half. However, the home side’s defence will be disappointed with how the game slipped away. Goalkeeper Arnaud Colin made two important saves but could not prevent the late equalizer.

For Royal Union Tubize-Braine, Mamadou Sylla was the hero, showing composure in a high-pressure moment. Cédric Berthelin was a constant threat from set-pieces and his header changed the momentum of the match. Substitute Lucas Vandenberghe also made a significant impact, providing energy and width during the comeback.

Season Impact and Standings Picture

The draw feels like a victory for Royal Union Tubize-Braine and a painful missed opportunity for RAEC Mons. In the tightly contested Belgian First Amateur Division, dropping two points from a 2-0 lead can have a lasting effect on promotion or playoff ambitions. Mons will need to address their game management, particularly their ability to close out matches when leading.

Tubize-Braine, meanwhile, will take huge confidence from their resilience. Coming from two goals down away from home is never easy, and the manner of the late equalizer demonstrates the character within the squad. Both teams remain in the mix for a competitive season, but this match will be remembered as one of the early drama points of the campaign. The reverse fixture will carry extra intrigue, especially if the stakes are even higher later in the season.