Woluwe Football Academy Rally To Beat KV Mechelen 2-1 At Heysel

Woluwe Football Academy hosted KV Mechelen at Heysel on 20 January 2026, kicking off at midday in a league encounter that stretched to 98 minutes including injury time. The home side emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline after a spirited comeback following an early setback.

Woluwe lined up in a 5-2-3 formation, deploying a solid back five to absorb pressure and launch attacks. Tyron Tyron took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, shielded by right defender Mathis, central defenders Tyrell, Kenin, and Keydner Guevara, and left defender Marc. The midfield duo of Emmanuel and Lomis were tasked with controlling the centre of the park, linking defence and attack. Up front, the three forwards were Maher on the right, Santiago Guevara leading the line as striker, and Noah Araya on the left. This setup was designed to provide defensive solidity while allowing quick transitions and width in attack. Nathan was named among the substitutes.

The match began in dramatic fashion as KV Mechelen stunned the home crowd with a goal inside the opening minute. A clever back heel finish with the left foot caught Woluwe’s defence off guard, giving the visitors an early lead. Despite this early blow, Woluwe sought to regain composure and control possession.

As the first half progressed, Woluwe created opportunities but were unable to find the net. A notable moment came in the 39th minute when Santiago Guevara was awarded a penalty, presenting a golden chance to equalise. Unfortunately, his effort struck the post, denying the home side a leveller before the break.

The half concluded at 49 minutes due to added time, with KV Mechelen still holding their slender advantage. After the interval, Woluwe’s midfield began to assert greater influence. Lomis was particularly active, contributing defensively and pushing forward to support attacks.

At the hour mark, Lomis made a crucial defensive intervention, halting a KV Mechelen advance and helping to maintain pressure on the visitors. Shortly after, Woluwe made a tactical substitution, replacing right forward Maher with Nathan in the 62nd minute, aiming to inject fresh energy into the attack.

Keydner Guevara was instrumental in defence during the second half, making two important clearances at 69 and 73 minutes to keep KV Mechelen at bay. However, Woluwe’s attacking intent was evident as Noah Araya was flagged offside at 74 minutes, narrowly missing a chance to level the scores.

The breakthrough came swiftly the following minute when Lomis flicked the ball cleverly to Noah Araya, who finished with his right foot to equalise. This well-worked team move lifted the home side and shifted momentum firmly in their favour.

Woluwe pressed on and were rewarded again in the 84th minute from a set piece. Noah Araya delivered a precise corner, which Lomis met with a left-footed finish to put Woluwe ahead 2-1. This goal showcased the effectiveness of their 5-2-3 formation in set-piece situations.

The match took a tense turn deep into injury time when Keydner Guevara received a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity in the 97th minute. Despite being reduced to ten men, Woluwe held firm to secure the win.

Noah Araya and Lomis were standout performers, both contributing decisively with goals and assists, earning them the player of the match honours. Woluwe Football Academy’s resilience and tactical adjustments proved decisive in overcoming KV Mechelen in this tightly contested league fixture.