Zelzate vs Zulte Waregem

Zulte Waregem controlled the opening exchanges and took a deserved lead in the 21st minute. French midfielder M. Aké found the net with a composed finish to put the visitors ahead. The goal was the only breakthrough of a first half in which Zulte Waregem dominated possession and created the better chances.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Hedl doubled the lead in the 51st minute — the Austrian's strike appearing to put the game beyond Zelzate's reach.

But the hosts refused to fold. In the 63rd minute, Zelzate pulled a goal back, halving the deficit and setting up a tense final half-hour. The identity of Zelzate's scorer was not recorded in the official match data.

Zelzate's 63rd-minute goal changed the complexion of the match. Before it, Zulte Waregem had been in cruise control at 2-0, with a 59% share of possession and 13 total shots to Zelzate's four. After the goal, the momentum shifted briefly — though Zulte Waregem's professional structure ensured they saw out the game without further damage.

The key question for Beale will be why his side conceded while two goals ahead. Zelzate's only shot on target produced their goal, suggesting a momentary lapse in concentration rather than a systemic problem.

M. Aké (Zulte Waregem): Opened the scoring with a well-taken 21st-minute goal that set the tone. The French midfielder was involved in much of Zulte Waregem's best build-up play.

T. Hedl (Zulte Waregem): Doubled the lead six minutes into the second half with a clinical finish. The Austrian's movement caused problems for the Zelzate backline throughout.

Zelzate's goalkeeper: Despite facing 13 shots and four on target, the Zelzate keeper kept the scoreline respectable, making several saves to keep his side in the game after they pulled one back.

Zulte Waregem's statistical dominance was clear. They recorded 59% possession, 13 total shots (nine corners) to Zelzate's four, and four shots on target to the hosts' one. The 2-1 scoreline flatters Zelzate slightly — the underlying numbers suggest a more comfortable afternoon for the Challenger Pro League side.

The one yellow card apiece reflects the competitive nature of the friendly, with neither side taking the foot off the gas despite the pre-season context.

Zulte Waregem continue their flawless pre-season build-up under Michael Beale. Three wins from three — including the 6-0 demolition of Racing Waregem on 27 June — gives them momentum heading into the final stages of their preparation. Next up is a behind-closed-doors friendly against Polish side Raków Częstochowa on 8 July, followed by the start of the Challenger Pro League season.

For Zelzate, who play in the Belgian first amateur division (Voetbal Vlaanderen Eerste Afdeling), the narrow defeat to a professional opponent represents a positive test. They host Sporting Lokeren on 17 July in their next friendly.

A professional, if not spectacular, pre-season win for Zulte Waregem. The 2-1 scoreline was tighter than the balance of play deserved, but the objective — minutes in legs, sharpness built, another win banked — was achieved. Zelzate can take heart from their second-half response and will benefit from the test against higher-level opposition.