Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
AS Eupen fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Al Taawon in their fourth pre-season friendly, played in the Netherlands on 21 July 2026.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
Al Taawon struck first inside six minutes. Winger Saif Rajab, the 21-year-old Saudi prospect, found the net to give the Saudi side an early lead.
Eupen responded through Isaac Nuhu, who levelled in the 18th minute — but parity lasted only eight minutes. Bulgarian winger Marin Petkov restored Al Taawon's advantage on 26 minutes, sending the teams into the break with the Saudi side leading 2-1.
Eupen dominated the second half without creating a glut of clear chances, but their persistence paid off in the 66th minute. Yentl Van Genechten, the Belgian right-back, slotted home the equaliser to make it 2-2, a scoreline that held through the final whistle.
The Turning Point
Eupen made 10 substitutions at the 67-minute mark — a wholesale change typical of pre-season run-outs — bringing on fresh legs including Ba-Muaka Simakala and Oriol Busquets. The tactical shift came immediately after Van Genechten's equaliser, meaning the Pandas could defend the point with a completely refreshed XI rather than push for a winner.
Key Performers
- Yentl Van Genechten — The 25-year-old Belgian full-back scored the equaliser (66') and played 67 minutes before being substituted. His goal capped a determined second-half display from Eupen.
- Isaac Nuhu — The Eupen forward scored the first equaliser (18') and led the line well before his substitution. His movement troubled the Al Taawon defence throughout the first half.
- Saif Rajab — The 21-year-old Al Taawon winger opened the scoring in the sixth minute and was a persistent threat on the flank during the first half.
- Marin Petkov — The Bulgarian international scored what looked like a winning goal (26') and showed the quality that has made him a regular for his national team.
Player of the Match: Yentl Van Genechten — for the decisive equaliser and his energetic display at right-back.
By the Numbers
The match was characterised by an open first half (three goals in 26 minutes) and a tighter second period. Eupen's 10 substitutions after 67 minutes meant the final 23 minutes were played by a largely different XI, disrupting any rhythm Al Taawon might have built. The 2-2 draw extended Eupen's run of pre-season friendlies in which no team has scored more than three goals — a pattern that now spans five consecutive matches.
What It Means
For Eupen, the draw is a respectable result against a Saudi top-flight side as they build towards the 2026-27 Challenger Pro League season. The Belgian side had already beaten La Calamine 2-1 on 15 July and were due to face Aywaille on 29 July before their competitive opener against Jong Genk on 15 August.
Al Taawon, who had beaten Helmond Sport 2-0 on 17 July, continued their European pre-season tour with a solid performance. The Saudi Pro League side will have gained useful minutes against European opposition.
Verdict
A useful pre-season workout for both sides. Eupen's willingness to change their entire outfield XI in one go is a clear sign that building fitness and giving minutes to every squad member was the priority over the result. Al Taawon will be the more satisfied with the performance, having led twice away from home.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 1 Aug 2026