In the first legs of the Promotion Play-off semi-finals of the Challenger Pro League, Lokeren-Temse and Patro Eisden Maasmechelen have secured an advantage for the finals. Lokeren-Temse defeated RWD Molenbeek 2-0, while Patro triumphed 3-2 against SK Beveren.
RWD Molenbeek, still reeling from missing out on direct promotion, found themselves trailing by two goals within just 15 minutes. An own goal by Xavier Preijs at 11 minutes was quickly followed by a goal from Jonas Vinck to make it 2-0. The team from Brussels could not recover and will need to work hard in the return leg to keep their promotion dreams alive.
For Lokeren-Temse, the victory is a significant boost after a tumultuous week. They appealed late on Wednesday against the decision to deny them a Jupiler Pro League licence, allowing them to participate in the play-offs.
In the match between Patro and Beveren, the home team took the lead after 24 minutes through Vicky Kiankaulua. Lennart Mertens equalised in the 38th minute, but Abid scored twice (40th and 51st minutes) to restore Patro’s advantage. Following a red card for Kevin Kis, Jans (73rd minute) provided a lifeline for the visitors, ending the match 3-2.
The return legs in Molenbeek and Beveren are scheduled for Sunday at 19:15. The winners of these ties will face off on 3 and 11 May, both matches set for 16:00.
Finally, on 18 and 23 May, a decisive encounter against the second-placed team of the Relegation play-offs from the first division will determine the last spot in the Jupiler Pro League. Zulte Waregem and RAAL La Louvière have already secured direct promotion following a thrilling final match day last week.
