Kermt Hasselt edge past FCV Dender EH in Belgian Second Division opener

Kermt Hasselt opened their 2026-27 Belgian Second Division campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over FCV Dender EH on 15 August 2026. A single goal proved decisive in a match where both sides showed plenty of ambition but found clear-cut chances difficult to come by.

The game started at a lively tempo, with Kermt Hasselt pressing high and trying to force early errors from the Dender defence. The visitors gradually settled into possession and began to control spells of play, but the home side always looked dangerous on the counter. The breakthrough arrived shortly before the half-hour mark when a well-worked move down the right flank was finished calmly at the far post, sending the home supporters into celebration.

Defensive resolve earns all three points

FCV Dender EH responded strongly after the interval and enjoyed the majority of the ball, but Kermt Hasselt's back line held firm. The goalkeeper was called into action on several occasions, producing a sharp save from a close-range header and confidently dealing with crosses into the box. Dender pushed numbers forward in the final 15 minutes, yet the hosts managed the closing stages well, slowing the tempo and protecting their lead.

• Result: Kermt Hasselt 1-0 FCV Dender EH
• Competition: Belgian Second Division
• Date: 15 August 2026

For Kermt Hasselt, this result represents a perfect start and early momentum in the standings. For FCV Dender EH, the defeat will sting, but the performance offered enough promise to suggest they will climb the table once their finishing improves. Both teams now turn their attention to matchday two, where the lessons from this tight contest will be quickly applied.