Anderlecht give away 2-0 lead against Zulte Waregem

Anderlecht did not make a succesful general repetition for its European game against Rapid Wien. The Mauves lost two points at home when it gave away a 2-0 lead in the final quarter against Zulte Waregem.


Vercauteren made a couple of surprising changes to his squad. Both internationals Mbo Mpenza and Bart Goor were handed a place in the starting line-up at the expense of Théréau and the slightly injured Polak. Anderlecht started well and had the possession in the first half. The team did not manager to translate this into a goal, however.

With half-time nearing Anderlecht pressed on. And with success. Goor lengthened a Boussoufa center, Hassan was able to knock the ball past ex-Anderlecht goalkeeper De Vlieger.

Vercauteren's men started well in the second half and immediately created a number of chances. It took a Hassan penalty, however, to enlarge the score after Mpenza was fouled by D'Haene. Both Hassan and Boussoufa scored the third goal of the evening but their efforts were ruled offside.

It appeared the home team could easily control the game and grab the three points but Jelavic surprised the Anderlecht defense with a winning header. Vercauteren tried to regain control of the match by introducing Mark De Man and striker Serhat Akin, but it were the visitors who surprised again. Once more it was Jelavic who could freely head the ball past Zitka. For the second time this season Anderlecht give away a two-goal lead. With games against Rapid Wien and Racing Genk ahead, it will prove to be a difficult week for the Mauves.

Score: 2-2
Goal(s): 42' Ahmed Hassan 1-0, 57' Ahmed Hassan 2-0 (pen), 74' Nikica Jelavic 2-1, 83' Nikica Jelavic 2-2, 81' Mbark Boussoufa

Anderlecht:Zitka, Deschacht, Pareja, Van Damme (76' Mark De Man), Von Schlebrügge (46' Roland Juhasz), Wasilewski, Biglia, Boussoufa, Goor, Hassan, Mpenza (77' Serhat Akin)
Zulte Waregem:De Vlieger, D'Haene, Dindeleux, Reina, Von Steenbrugghe (56' Stijn Meert), Zundert, D'Haemers (56' Kevin Roelandts), van Nieuwenhuyze, Verschuere, Jelavic, Leye

Yellow cards: 42' Ahmed Hassan 1-0, 57' Ahmed Hassan 2-0 (pen), 74' Nikica Jelavic 2-1, 83' Nikica Jelavic2-2, 81' Mbark Boussoufa
Red cards:

Referee: Benoni Burie
Stadium: Constant Vanden Stock