In a thrilling encounter at the Stade du Pairay, OH Leuven defeated Seraing United 3-1 in the Round of 32 of the Belgian Cup on October 30, 2025. Returning to winning ways, OH Leuven showcased a strong performance after a series of disappointing outings in the Jupiler Pro League. The match proved crucial for both teams, with both desperately seeking a morale boost to carry them forward in the tournament.
The match started with a spirited display from both sides, but it was Sory Kaba who opened the scoring for OH Leuven in the 11th minute. The striker found the net, giving his team an early lead and filling their supporters with hope. This goal came as a relief to Kaba, who had been a bright spot in recent difficult times for OH Leuven.
However, Seraing United displayed resilience and equalized just 15 minutes later. H. Camara struck in the 26th minute, bringing the score to 1-1 and igniting the home crowd. This goal showcased Seraing's intent to compete fiercely and perhaps turn the tide in their favor after a series of draws and a recent loss. As both teams headed into the half-time break, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, each side believing they could push ahead.
The second half began with OH Leuven executing their game plan effectively. The pivotal moment came in the 62nd minute when Sory Kaba struck again, netting his second goal of the match and restoring their lead at 2-1. This time, Kaba's effort felt like a turning point, as it reestablished OH Leuven's dominance on the pitch and shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
As the clock ticked down, Seraing United struggled to regain their footing. Despite their efforts, they were caught off guard in stoppage time when Abdoul Karim Traoré sealed the deal with a goal in the 90 +3 minute, making it 3-1 for OH Leuven. The late strike epitomized a commanding performance and a fitting conclusion to the match.
Reflecting on both teams' current form, the result was more than just a win for OH Leuven. After a string of draws and losses that had started to weigh heavily on their confidence, this victory gives them a much-needed boost in the cup competition. Prior to this match, they had not claimed a win in their last five games across all competitions, leaving them with questions about their tenacity under pressure. The realization that they could win in a crucial knockout match may revive their spirits for upcoming league fixtures.
On the other hand, Seraing United now faces the harsh reality of elimination from the cup, adding more pressure to a squad already struggling to find their footing in the Challenger Pro League. Their last five matches had shown glimpses of potential but lacked the killer instinct needed to convert draws into wins. As they reflect on today's outcome, the team needs to regroup and find a way to strengthen their resolve in the league, where points have been elusive.
In the greater context of the tournament, this match serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. OH Leuven will advance, hoping to ride this wave of momentum further in the cup, whereas Seraing United will now focus on correcting their course in the league, where every point is crucial for their survival hopes. As the football season unfolds, each match brings fresh stakes, and the battle for redemption is far from over for either side.