Favourites for the Challenger Pro League title with just three matches remaining in the regular season, RWD Molenbeek fell just minutes short of direct promotion to the Jupiler Pro League last Friday.
Currently in third place behind Zulte Waregem and La Louvière, the Molenbeek side still has a chance to reach the top tier by winning the Promotion playoffs.
The playoffs begin Thursday at 20:30 with the first leg of the semi-finals, featuring Lokeren-Temse versus RWDM and Patro Esiden facing Beveren. Lokeren, which has not received a licence to play at the highest level, has appealed this decision. Consequently, they will host Molenbeek in Waasland, having won eight out of their last nine matches, losing only to RWDM (1-0).
Failing to secure direct promotion was a tough blow at the Machtens Stadium, leading to the dismissal of head coach Yannick Ferrera. Young French coach Gueïda Fofana, previously with the Lyon reserve team, was brought in on Thursday, although Igor de Camargo will take charge on the bench at Daknam.
On Sunday at 19:15, the return legs of these semi-finals will determine the two teams competing on Saturday, 3 May, and Sunday, 11 May, both at 16:00, for the final and a chance for promotion to Division 1A. The higher-ranked team during the regular season will host the second leg.
The promotion playoff win will set up a clash with the second-placed team in the Jupiler Pro League Relegation Playoffs (Saint-Trond, Cercle Bruges, or Kortrijk). These matches will take place on Sunday, 18 May at 19:15 and Friday, 23 May at 20:45.
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