James Oyimb 
Anderlecht have made a flying start to the new season, at least in terms of results. The RSCA picked up their sixth point from six thanks to a 1-2 win away at Antwerp on Sunday. Despite being by far the better team, the Great Old were undone by some clinical finishing from the Mauves and Whites. More to follow…
Both sides had won their opening games by the narrowest of margins but failed to impress on the football front. Anderlecht were particularly poor at home to Sint-Truiden, so the standard needed to be raised at the Bosuil.
Lammens error It was the home side who made the livelier start in front of their fans. De Roeck’s team immediately created the first chance of the game. Coosemans had to be alert to deny Chery an early opener. A long-range effort from Doumbia then flew over.
However, those missed chances would prove costly for Antwerp. Midway through the first half, Sardella produced a fine piece of play down the right. He found Dolberg in front of goal, who seemed to have beaten Lammens. But the Antwerp keeper misjudged the ball and somehow managed to palm it into his own net.
Kerk levels A flattering lead for the Mauves and Whites, but it didn’t last long. After a swift counter-attack, Odoi played a long ball to Janssen, who teed up Kerk. The striker made no mistake from close range. A smart move that restored parity before the break.
After the restart, Antwerp continued to look the more dangerous team. Janssen saw a good effort blocked by Vertonghen, Chery fired just wide, and Costa inexplicably headed over from close range.
Ashimeru seals the deal Where Antwerp had been profligate in front of goal, the RSCA proved deadly. After Chery gave the ball away, the visitors broke quickly and Ashimeru was able to tap in from close range to make it 2-1. A cruel blow for the home side. They pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but to no avail. Bad luck for the Great Old, who suffered their first home defeat of the season. Anderlecht move to the top of the table after two wins.
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