Preview: Rupel Boom Hosts Ninove to Open Belgian First Amateur Division Season

BRUSSELS (Interstat) — The Belgian First Amateur Division kicks off its 2025-26 campaign Sunday with Rupel Boom heavily favored at home against Ninove.

The Week 1 matchup at the Gemeentelijk Sportcentrum in Boom is scheduled for Dec. 21, 2025.

Ninove arrives after an unbeaten preseason, though it concluded with a draw. On Sept. 20, Ninove played to a 2-2 stalemate at home against Lyra-Lierse Berlaar. Its earlier friendlies were more decisive, a 3-1 victory over Voorde Appelterre on Aug. 23 and a 3-0 win against Jodoigne on Aug. 17.

Rupel Boom also enters on a positive note, having secured a 2-1 victory in its most recent friendly against Cappellen on Sept. 20.

Statistical models strongly favor the hosts. Interstat’s ELO rating system gives Rupel Boom a 77.70% probability of winning the contest. The organization’s game simulator predicts a final score of Rupel Boom 2, Ninove 1.

The match marks the official start of both clubs’ pursuits for promotion to the Challenger Pro League. A win for Rupel Boom would validate its preseason form and statistical favoritism, while Ninove will aim to leverage its own offensive preseason performances to spring an opening-day upset on the road.