Diegem Sport 1-4 KFC Nijlen: Van Acker Hat-Trick Powers Ruthless Away Win

KFC Nijlen produced a ruthless second-half display to beat Diegem Sport 4-1 in BSA D on Thursday night, with Jorn Van Acker scoring a hat-trick in a victory that strengthens their promotion credentials. Diegem had briefly threatened a comeback when they equalised in the first half, but Nijlen’s pressing and finishing proved too much after the break.

Full-time: Diegem Sport 1-4 KFC Nijlen. Van Acker opened the scoring, Diegem levelled through Yassine El Ouahdi, but Nijlen pulled away with three unanswered goals in the second half.

Match overview

Nijlen started on the front foot and took the lead in the 18th minute when Van Acker pounced on a loose ball inside the box and finished confidently. Diegem responded well, gradually finding space in midfield and equalising in the 39th minute through El Ouahdi, who cut inside from the left and curled a shot into the far corner.

The half-time score of 1-1 was arguably harsh on Nijlen, who had created the better chances, but they restored their lead early in the second half. Van Acker scored his second from the penalty spot after a foul on the edge of the area, and Nijlen never looked back. He completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute with a close-range finish after another quick attacking move.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Jorn Van Acker gives KFC Nijlen the lead with a sharp finish.
• 39th minute: Yassine El Ouahdi equalises for Diegem Sport with a curling effort.
• 52nd minute: Van Acker converts a penalty to restore Nijlen’s advantage.
• 71st minute: Van Acker completes his hat-trick from close range.
• 84th minute: Bram Peeters adds a fourth with a low drive from outside the box.

Diegem’s defensive shape deteriorated after conceding the third goal. Nijlen’s midfield pushed higher, winning second balls and forcing the hosts into rushed clearances. The fourth goal was the result of sustained pressure, with Peeters finding space at the edge of the area and firing through a crowded box.

Tactical story

Nijlen’s 4-3-3 was built around aggressive pressing and quick transitions. Their front three closed down Diegem’s centre-backs, forcing long passes that were comfortably dealt with by the Nijlen defence. Van Acker’s movement between the lines was a constant problem, and his teammates regularly found him with early passes into the box.

Diegem, using a 4-2-3-1, struggled to build rhythm. Their equaliser came from a moment of individual quality rather than sustained pressure, and they were unable to reproduce that level of threat in the second half. As they pushed men forward in search of an equaliser, Nijlen exploited the space with devastating effect.

Standout players

Van Acker was the obvious match-winner, showing composure in front of goal and excellent movement throughout. Peeters controlled the midfield and capped his performance with a well-taken goal. For Diegem, El Ouahdi was their brightest spark, but the home side’s defensive errors proved costly.

Season impact

The win gives KFC Nijlen a significant boost in the BSA D standings and reinforces their credentials as promotion contenders. Diegem Sport remain in need of points and will be concerned by the manner in which they conceded after half-time. Nijlen’s ability to turn a tight game into a comfortable win is a sign of a team building real momentum.