NEEPELT, Belgium (Interstat) — In a result that defied statistical projections and boosted its hopes of avoiding relegation, Esperanza Pelt secured a narrow 1-0 victory over C.P. Antwerpen in a Belgian Division 3 match on Saturday.

The match, played before a home crowd at the Gemeentelijk Stadion De Roosen, was decided by a second-half goal from midfielder Antonio Stankov. The score delivered a crucial three points for a Pelt side that has struggled throughout the season.

The game’s lone goal arrived in the 65th minute, stemming from a well-executed team move. Substitute Joy Van Den Bogerd, who had entered the match earlier, initiated the play with a penetrating pass to defender Sam Van Aerschot pushing forward on the flank. Van Aerschot delivered a precise cross into the area, where Mathias Vos provided a clever flick-on, setting up Stankov for a composed finish from close range.

The goal stood as the decisive moment in a contest that was often fractious and disjointed. The physical nature of the match was reflected in the officiating, with three yellow cards issued. Van Den Bogerd was booked in the 42nd minute for a late challenge. Van Aerschot followed with a caution in the 62nd minute, and Vos received a yellow card in the first minute of second-half stoppage time.

The victory marks a significant upset based on pre-match analytics. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a comfortable 3-1 win for C.P. Antwerpen, and its ELO rating system gave the visiting side an 84.10 percent probability of victory. The result also served as a measure of revenge for Esperanza Pelt, which had defeated Antwerpen by an identical 2-1 scoreline in the reverse fixture on Sept. 13, 2025.

For Esperanza Pelt, the win provides a vital lifeline in its battle to climb out of the lower reaches of the Division 3 table. The club now holds a record of 7 wins, 18 losses and 6 draws in league play this season. While still facing an uphill climb, the three points inject momentum into its campaign with several matches remaining.

C.P. Antwerpen, meanwhile, saw a modest two-game unbeaten run snapped and missed a chance to solidify its mid-table position. The visitors, who had defeated K. Achel VV and drawn with K. Crossing VV Elewijt in recent weeks, were unable to generate consistent offense against a determined Pelt defense. Antwerpen’s league record now moves to 11 wins, 11 losses and 7 draws.

The loss extends a concerning trend for C.P. Antwerpen, which has now failed to score in four of its last five competitive matches, including defeats to FC Wezel Sport, KVC Lille United and KVV Zepperen-Brustem prior to this contest.

Esperanza Pelt will look to build on this result when it travels to face K. Achel VV next Sunday. C.P. Antwerpen will aim to rebound at home against KVC Wilrijk on the same day.