BEERSCHOT WINS "MEMORIAL MARC STEENACKERS" CUP ON PENALTIES

BEERSCHOT - FC EINDHOVEN  2 - 2 (Penalties 4-2)

A strong second half performance with high pressure football, lots of desire and a happy ending resulted in Beerschot winning the "Memorial Marc Steenackers" cup. It looked all bleak at half time though with FC Eindhoven deservedly leading 2-0. The visitors from the Dutch Eerste Divisie impressed during the first 45 minutes with good defending, quick breaks and efficiency in the box. But our Mannekes had the last word in the penalty shootout.

Beerschot started well with a shot from Koshi but it were the visitors - with our former player Brian De Keersmaecker in a leading role in midfield - who impressed with good combination football and quick thinking. Their striker Amevor headed in the opening goal from a high cross and on the stroke of half time FC Eindhoven doubled the advantage when Bannis was given too much space to control the ball and hit home from just outside the box. In between Ramiro Vaca saw his free kick hit the post.

Coach Andreas Wieland brought on five new players at half time, and a sixth one after an hour. That changed the game completely. Beerschot now claimed ball possession and threatened with a good action from Sebaoui with Vaca missing by inches and a screamer from Sanusi. Seven minutes from the end Beerschot were awarded for their effort when Vaca curled a free kick beautifully in the low corner; three minutes later Sebaoui scored the equaliser from the spot. A penalty shoot out had to decide who would win the trophy.

And it was Beerschot who put the icing on the cake. Sanusi, Vaca, Sebaoui and Van den Bergh all converted their spot kick, while Vanhamel saved De Keersmaecker's penalty and saw another one hitting the cross bar. Victory for Beerschot and another cup for our Trophy Room.

ATTENDANCE: 2.000
GOALS: 14' Amevor 0-1, 43' Bannis 0-2, 83' Vaca 1-2, 86' Sebaoui 2-2 (penalty)
BEERSCHOT: Vanhamel, Van den Bergh, Matthys, Konstantopoulos (46' Quirynen), Weymans (46' Meisl), Koshi (62' Rigo), Vaca, Sanusi, Cloots (46' Nzita), La Morte (46' Sebaoui), Verlinden (46' Baeten)
FC EINDHOVEN: Bertrams, Amevor, Peijnenburg, Dahlhaus, Van Doorm, Bannis, De Keersmaecker, Rottier, Rego, Seedorf, Sanoh
YELLOW CARDS: Weymans, Van den Bergh, Bannis, Amevor
RED CARDS: geen

By Danny Geerts
Photo: Jan Mees