MECHELEN, Belgium (Interstat) — Substitute Mohammed Bouzerda delivered a stunning, game-changing performance off the bench, scoring once and assisting on another goal to propel visiting KFC Nijlen to a 2-1 comeback victory over KRC Mechelen in a Belgium Division 2 match on Saturday.

The match, played before a home crowd at Oscar Vankesbeeck Stadion, defied pregame projections that heavily favored the hosts. Interstat’s game simulator had forecast a 1-1 draw, while its ELO system gave Mechelen a 64.7 percent probability of securing a win. Instead, Nijlen’s resilient second-half response handed Mechelen its fourth league loss of the campaign.

The game’s opening goal came from an unlikely source. Bouzerda, who entered the match as a substitute, broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, giving the visitors an early 1-0 advantage. His early involvement was not without controversy, however, as he received a yellow card in the 31st minute. Mechelen midfielder Sabri Hmouda was also booked five minutes later in a first half that saw Nijlen take a narrow lead into the break.

The momentum appeared to shift decisively after halftime. Nijlen doubled its lead just six minutes into the second half when another substitute, Lennert Leemans, found the net in the 51st minute. Bouzerda was credited with the assist, completing his influential cameo with a goal and a helper in just over 30 minutes of action.

Mechelen responded immediately, pulling a goal back just four minutes later. Midfielder Mamadou Yaya Diallo scored in the 55th minute, assisted by Hmouda, to cut the deficit to 2-1 and ignite hopes of a home side rally. Despite sustained pressure from Mechelen in the final half-hour, the Nijlen defense held firm to secure the three points on the road.

The result sees KFC Nijlen improve its Division 2 record to five wins, one loss and six draws. The team’s form has been characterized by stalemates, with this victory marking a positive departure from a run of three consecutive draws in league play leading into the contest. Their overall record across all competitions is identical.

For KRC Mechelen, the loss is a setback after a strong 3-0 victory over K. Berchem Sport 2004 in their previous outing. Their league record now stands at five wins, four losses and five draws, mirroring their overall record for the season. The team has struggled for consistency, unable to string together consecutive wins since late September.

Looking ahead, KFC Nijlen will aim to build on this momentum when they host Jong Essevee next Saturday. Their schedule remains packed with Division 2 fixtures, including a rematch against KRC Mechelen on Feb. 7, 2026.

KRC Mechelen will look to rebound at home against RC Hades Kiewit Hasselt, also scheduled for next Saturday. The team will seek to rediscover the form that saw them score five goals in a match earlier in October and avoid falling further behind in the Division 2 table.