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–© BELGA
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–© BELGA
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KV Mechelen has taken its first point of the season. A deserved point, as the Kakkers had to come back from far against Anderlecht after a 0-2 deficit and a handful of missed opportunities. The Purple & White presented themselves a lot more efficiently, but Vrancken’s changes turned out well in the end.
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Playing football without an audience, we still have to get used to it. Certainly Achter de Kazerne, where the twelfth man always plays his part. Even without an audience, the start was flashy. After a good minute of play, Doku turned up surprisingly before Coucke. The Mechelen goalie was ready to intercept the ball. A few minutes later, Schoofs deviated a cross / shot by Vranckx just wide.
Water galore
Vrancken chose the expected eleven, with Togui in the lead. At Anderlecht, Dimata got his chance in the front. Was it the heat? Perhaps, but after a nice start the pace dropped noticeably. The players gasped with each injury treatment. Bottles of water, provided by physiotherapists and assistant coaches, flew around.
Vercauteren had not posted Doku opposite Kabore this time, but Bijker’s side. The Dutch left back kept the Purple & White express train perfectly out of the match before the break. The visitors had to make do with a long shot from Dimata and a modest header from Murillo. Apart from an attempt by Vranckx, the home team also finished nothing in the first half.
The second period again gave the 22 tenors oxygen. It now rained opportunities for the home team, with Schoofs, Togui and Hairemans. On the other side, Peyre almost headed the doctrine in his own goal. At Anderlecht, a pale Dimata had to give up his place early, Colassin took his place. The youngster immediately showed himself with a cunning kick to goal.
Then Doku
Bijker kept Doku out of the match for an hour, but when the winger outsmarted him with a passing move, the 0-1 hung against the ropes. Back-ups Storm and Bushiri also had no more answers.
After another drinking break, Malinwa went looking for the equalizer. He received it on a tray after Luckassen’s clumsy ball loss. Togui showed once again that his sights were not sharp today. Vrancken then steamed De Camargo ready for a raid, but just then the 0-2 fell. A sharp cross from Murillo went into goal via Bijker and Bushiri.
Tight comeback
Vrancken put De Camargo next to Togui, and also pitched Kaya and Vanlerberghe. Substitutions that turned out well, as De Camargo and Vanlerberghe brought Yellow-Red from 0-2 to 2-2. Special mention also to Kabore, who introduced both goals. That fair 2-2 remained, thanks to Coucke who mowed a fine attempt by Vlap off the line.
Diederik Geypen
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