Anderlecht messes around, Zulte takes the points

GAMES Anderlecht failed to win the important match against Zulte Waregem. On the contrary, it lost 2-3 after, among other things, two gift-wrapped goals for Zulte after clumsy ball-losses by Purple-White. Anderlecht, which strangely played with three men at the back again, did get chances today, but it pounced on Bossut after half-time. After this new uppercut, another important match in Seraing will follow on Sunday. For this Anderlecht, every point seems like a gift from heaven at the moment.
 


Stroeykens created the first danger after seven minutes with a slider that landed just wide of goal. Zulte Waregem did pull the trigger on their first chance. Unnecessary risky play by the purple-white defence was punished without mercy by Gano after Debast lost the ball. Anderlecht, suddenly playing with three men at the back again, were unable to respond immediately. Ten minutes later, Amuzu 'rolled' the ball between the posts towards Bossut. At the other end, a breakaway shot by Brüls flew over.

But the game tilted after a free kick on the side for Anderlecht. The ball rolled through to Raman who decided neatly in the corner. A minute later, Amuzu was sent deep by Trebel. Raman popped up again and this time he decided very nicely in the far corner. But Raman's sudden suddenness was almost nullified by Zulte a few minutes later. Verbruggen cleverly saved a header from Gano who was given too much freedom. Then Anderlecht had another great chance. Amuzu played Raman on, but his attempt (and pure hat-trick) stranded on a Waregem pawn on the line. 

Anderlecht pressed immediately after half-time, but incomprehensible ball loss by Ashimeru put Zulte Waregem's substitute Ndour in a good position. However, his shot went wide. Both teams left surprisingly much space. In minute 50, Raman could have scored again, but Bossut was able to save the attempt and the rebound. At the other end, Ndour rated his effort for the second time. But on his third attempt, it was a prize. Ndour was allowed to work a long ball from Vormer past Verbruggen too easily, although Vertonghen protested for hands.

Newcomer Dreyer then made his debut. Sissako almost profited from Arnstad's ball loss, while Anderlecht could threaten once more through Dreyer and Ashimeru. Time then for the big fumble number two of the evening. Fadera put Murillo under pressure who lost the ball particularly easily, opening the door for Fadera who brought Zulte back into the lead.

Anderlecht had to recover quickly and had a few more chances for the equaliser. Dreyer lashed out, but Bossut pushed the ball against the post. Meanwhile, the clock was ticking mercilessly away. In the absolute closing stages, Bussut saved a header by Murillo and Ashimeru stranded on the 37-year-old goalkeeper.

Although Anderlecht had enough chances tonight to get at least a point, this time individual mistakes and unnecessarily risky finishing were the main reasons for the defeat. After taking the lead, Anderlecht failed to control the game or to finish it off, allowing Zulte Waregem to walk away with the three points. "It can always be worse," our non-executive chairman said in an interview a while ago. Seraing will love to hear it...

Score: 2-3
Goal(s):0-1 Gano 10', 1-1 Raman 34', 2-1 Raman 35', 2-2 Ndour 62', 2-3 Fadera 75'

Anderlecht: Verbruggen, Murillo, Debast, Vertonghen, N'Diaye (86' Angulo), Trebel (65' Arnstad), Ashimeru, Verschaeren, Stroeykens, Amuzu, Raman (65' Dreyer)

Zulte Waregem: Bossut, Lopez, Deryck, Sissako, Fadera, Brüls (65' Vossen), Ciranni (86' Thiam), Rommens (78' Ramirez), Sormo (46' Ndour), Vormer (85' Palumets), Gano

Yellow: Rommens 26', Ciranni 58', 90+5' Amuzu
Red:

Referee: Wesli De Cremer
Stadium: Lotto Park