Anderlecht saw their hopes for a fourth consecutive Europa League victory dashed in the final seconds of their match against FK RFS in Riga, Latvia. The Belgian side led for much of the game, thanks to a stunning strike by Mario Stroeykens, but an own goal by defender Moussa Ndiaye in stoppage time resulted in a 1-1 draw, leaving Anderlecht with a missed opportunity to solidify their path to the Europa League knockout stages.
The match, played at the Skonto Stadium, started with both teams cautiously feeling each other out, resulting in a relatively slow first half.
However, it was Anderlecht who eventually found the breakthrough, with 18-year-old Stroeykens delivering a remarkable solo effort to put the Belgian side ahead.
His goal, showcasing both precision and control, lifted Anderlecht’s hopes as they looked on course to secure three vital points.
Anderlecht managed to control the game following Stroeykens’ goal, holding off FK RFS, who were crowned Latvian champions this season.
The visitors maintained their defensive shape and held back the home side’s attempts to equalise, appearing to have the match firmly in their grasp as the minutes ticked away.
In the closing moments, FK RFS mounted a final push in search of a late goal, throwing players forward in a last-ditch attempt to save the match.
Their persistence was rewarded deep into stoppage time, in the 96th minute, when a low cross deflected off Ndiaye and found its way into the Anderlecht net.
Ndiaye, who had played an impressive match on the left flank up to that point, was left stunned by the cruel twist of fate.
The last-minute own goal left Anderlecht deflated as they watched a crucial victory slip from their hands, settling instead for a single point.
The result is a setback for Anderlecht’s Europa League campaign, as they now sit fifth in their group, two points behind the leaders, reducing their margin for error in the remaining fixtures.
Head coach Brian Riemer expressed his disappointment post-match, acknowledging the team’s frustration after controlling much of the game only to see it slip away in the final moments.
We had the game in our hands,” he said, “but football is sometimes unpredictable, and tonight it was not on our side.”
For FK RFS, the result will feel like a hard-fought victory, reflecting their resilience and determination to fight until the last whistle.
Anderlecht, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly as they continue their Europa League journey, with the next match critical to their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds.
