Acren-Lessines vs Flénu Match Recap - Oct 19, 2025

Late Drama Lifts Flénu Over Acren-Lessines at Stade des Camomilles, Reshaping the Second Amateur Division Table

For Acren-Lessines, Sunday’s home fixture against Flénu was meant to be a showcase of resurgence—a chance to consolidate momentum after last week’s five-goal romp. Instead, Stade des Camomilles bore witness to a different narrative: one of missed chances, stubborn resistance, and a Flénu side that summoned the grit required to claim a vital 2-1 victory that sent ripples through the upper reaches of the Second Amateur Division - ACFF.

The autumn air crackled with anticipation at kickoff, both sets of supporters keenly aware of the high stakes. Acren-Lessines, inconsistent but dangerous in recent weeks, were in search of continuity. Their visitors, Flénu, fresh off a stinging late defeat at RUS Binche, eyed redemption and the opportunity to rejoin the clutch of promotion hopefuls.

From the outset, Acren-Lessines looked the more enterprising, pressing high with discipline and flair. Their early dominance paid off in the 18th minute: a sequence of slick passing pried open a stubborn Flénu back line, and midfielder Maxime Defoort latched onto a low cross to beat the keeper at the near post. The home stand erupted, and for a spell, it seemed Acren-Lessines might be set for another afternoon of offensive fireworks.

But Flénu have made a habit of responding when the script turns against them. Instead of wilting, the visitors adjusted their shape and patience. Their reward arrived just before the interval. In the 42nd minute, a moment of loose marking allowed Yacine Aoued to drift untracked into the box and slot home from close range after a teasing ball from the right. The equalizer was both a gut punch and a warning: Flénu would not go quietly.

The second half unfolded as a cagey, attritional affair, both teams trading blows with little to separate them. Acren-Lessines probed, seeking the killer pass, but Flénu’s defensive discipline repeatedly thwarted their ambitions. The match threatened to fade into a stalemate—until the drama that would define the day erupted in stoppage time.

A frenetic Acren-Lessines counterattack broke down, and Flénu pounced on the loose ball, surging forward in numbers. A precise through ball found substitute Kevin Lemaire, who, showing a composure that belied the occasion, tucked a curling shot beyond the outstretched arms of the home keeper in the 91st minute. The away end erupted in exultant disbelief.

There was no coming back for Acren-Lessines. The final whistle, moments later, brought a wave of celebration from Flénu’s bench but left the home supporters digesting the cruel sting of defeat in a game that once seemed within their grasp.

This result reverberates beyond a single afternoon. Acren-Lessines, whose last five matches have veered between brilliance and frustration—a thumping win, a goalless defeat, a hard-fought draw—must once again grapple with the specter of inconsistency. Recent form had teased a sustained push toward the playoff positions, but this setback underscores the volatility that has defined their autumn.

Flénu, meanwhile, have added another notable victory to a run that now includes four wins from their last six. Their surge up the table is only eclipsed by their resilience: three of those victories have come away from home, a testament to their ability to manage adversity and seize opportunity. Today’s final act—snatching victory on Acren-Lessines’ turf—will only harden their credentials as genuine top-three contenders.

In the current standings, Flénu now leapfrog Acren-Lessines, tightening the cluster at the upper end of the ACFF Second Amateur Division. Acren-Lessines, forced to settle for a solitary win in their last three outings, remain in touch with the playoff cohort but the path forward has grown narrower.

The head-to-head history between these sides—a tale marked by narrow margins and few blowouts—found a fitting sequel today. Acren-Lessines’ last home win over Flénu feels distant, a reminder of just how quickly fortunes can pivot.

There were no red cards, but bookings aplenty punctuated the tense exchanges, evidence of both sides’ refusal to yield an inch—a subplot that could have lasting implications with fixtures coming thick and fast.

Looking ahead, Acren-Lessines face a searching test of character. Their next match, away against a resurgent Tournai, now takes on added urgency. Flénu, buoyed by momentum and belief, return home to face mid-table La Calamine, sensing a chance to further solidify their ascent.

For both clubs, the stakes are clear. Autumn has delivered its first chills, but after Sunday’s drama at Stade des Camomilles, the race for promotion remains red-hot—and anything but settled.