The final match of the outward round in the Challenger Pro League was the clash between Club NXT U23 and RSCA Futures. The Brusselers dominated the first half and led 0-1 at halftime through Ure. After halftime our youngsters looked for the equalizer, but failed to score through Faraas, Homma and the substitute Furo.
Coach Hayen had to puzzle his starting lineup as Barbera, Salah and De Roeve were all missing due to injuries. Audoor was suspended and captain Vermant was injured during the warm-up. The Ukrainian Yakymenko started in the striker position. Anderlecht had ex-Club player Colin Coosemans in goal. The visitors quickly took control of the match. After losing the ball in midfield, Shinton was able to turn the Futures' first attempt via Angulo with his foot. Blauw-Zwart's defense struggled and when the visitors brought the ball into the box through the strong playing Angulo, the incoming Ure could easily work the ball past Shinton into goal. 0-1.
After almost half an hour of play, Shinton prevented the 0-2 with a fine reflex. Ure popped right around Shinton from very close range. Soon after, he had to punch away another attempt by Purple White. He pushed Bouchouari's blast into a corner. Blue-Black also stepped up the pressure. Homma's kick was stopped by Lissens, in the resumption Liam De Smet was brought down by Monticelli. No penalty kick, referee Clerkx ruled. Captain Et-Taïbi occasionally advanced on the flank, but the final pass towards goal did not reach the Blue-Black attacking line. We went to rest with a 0-1 deficit.