SINT-TRUIDEN, Belgium (Interstat) — In a frenetic Belgian Division 3 clash that defied pregame projections, KVV Zepperen-Brustem and K. Achel VV played to a 2-2 draw Saturday at Het Dekken stadium.

The result, which saw the home side twice surrender a lead, leaves Zepperen-Brustem with a record of 15 wins, eight losses and five draws in the league this season. Achel VV’s record now stands at 11 wins, 12 losses and six draws. The match was a rematch of an Oct. 11, 2025, fixture, which Achel VV won 3-0.

Pregame analytics heavily favored the hosts. Interstat’s ELO system gave Zepperen-Brustem a 77.10 percent probability to win, while its game simulator projected a 1-1 draw. The actual match delivered a more chaotic and dramatic narrative.

The game exploded to life with two goals in the opening eight minutes. Zepperen-Brustem’s starting forward, Bradley Mbenza, opened the scoring in the seventh minute, giving the hosts an immediate advantage. Their lead was stunningly short-lived. Just one minute later, Achel VV’s Siebe Paesen, entering the match as a substitute, leveled the score at 1-1, silencing the home supporters.

The match settled into a tense battle until just before halftime. In the 50th minute, Ybe Vanderhoeft found the net for Zepperen-Brustem, restoring their lead at 2-1 and sending the teams into the break with the hosts ahead.

Zepperen-Brustem appeared poised to validate the statistical favorites’ tag, but Achel VV demonstrated resilience. In the 66th minute, another substitute made a decisive impact for the visitors. Florin Theuwis scored the equalizer for Achel VV, knotting the game at 2-2. The assist on the play was credited to Nick Pinxten, also a substitute.

The final quarter-hour grew increasingly tense, with Achel VV absorbing pressure. Their discipline wavered in the closing stages, resulting in two yellow cards. Pinxten, the assist provider, was booked in the 75th minute, followed by teammate Maxim Goossens in the 80th minute. Zepperen-Brustem was unable to capitalize on the ensuing set pieces, and the match concluded with the points shared.

The draw extends Achel VV’s recent winless streak in league play to four matches, following losses to Herleving Red Star Haasdonk, KFC De Kempen Tielen-Lichtaart and KFC Sint-Lenaarts. For Zepperen-Brustem, the result represents a minor setback after a commanding 4-0 victory over C.P. Antwerpen in their previous league outing and a 1-1 draw with EWS Schoonbeek-Beverst.

Both teams will look to return to winning form on April 26. K. Achel VV will host Esperanza Pelt, while KVV Zepperen-Brustem will travel to face AS Verbroedering Geel.