NJLEN, Belgium (Interstat) — Substitute Adam Nhaili scored a dramatic late equalizer as KFC Nijlen and visiting Jong Essevee played to a 2-2 draw in a Belgian Division 2 match on Saturday.

The result at KFC Nijlen A-terrein saw the home side remain formidable and difficult to beat, extending their unbeaten run in the league, while Jong Essevee secured a hard-fought point on the road.

The match was a tale of two halves, with the visitors seizing the early momentum. Jong Essevee opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Gianni Mariën found the back of the net, giving his team a lead they would carry toward the break. The first half was a physical affair, with three yellow cards issued, two to Jong Essevee players Hugo Lambotte and Matice Vandegaer, and one to KFC Nijlen’s Jay-David Mbalanda just before halftime.

The complexion of the game shifted dramatically in the closing moments of the first half and the opening minutes of the second. KFC Nijlen drew level in the 45th minute through a goal from Vincent Van Steenwinkel, sending the teams into the interval deadlocked.

The home side’s comeback was completed just eight minutes after the restart. Nhaili, who had been brought off the bench, scored his first goal of the game in the 53rd minute to give KFC Nijlen a 2-1 lead. The goal was assisted by defender Tibo Faes, who received a yellow card just a minute before providing the crucial pass.

Jong Essevee, however, demonstrated resilience to fight back. Nhaili was the hero once more for his team, netting his second goal of the contest later in the half to level the score at 2-2, which would stand as the final. The assists on Nhaili’s goals were credited to substitutes Matice Vandegaer, Jay-David Mbalanda, Hugo Lambotte and Alan Mbega Evouna, highlighting the impact of both teams’ benches. Mbega Evouna also received a yellow card in the 65th minute.

The draw continues KFC Nijlen’s strong run of form in the league. They now hold a record of 5 wins, 1 loss and 8 draws in Division 2 play this season. Their ability to avoid defeat has been a hallmark of their campaign. Jong Essevee, meanwhile, improved its record to 6 wins, 13 losses and 7 draws. The point provides a measure of stability for a team that had lost three of its last four matches coming into the contest, including a 1-0 defeat to KVK Wellen just six days prior.

The result defied pre-match projections. Interstat’s game simulator had predicted a 2-1 victory for KFC Nijlen, and its ELO system gave the home side an 82.30 percent probability of winning.

KFC Nijlen will look to continue its solid form when it travels to face Royal Cappellen FC on Saturday, Nov. 29. Jong Essevee’s next fixture is a road match against KFC Vigor Wuitens Hamme on Sunday, Nov. 30.