Jupiler Pro League Recap: Epolo saves point for Standard; Kanga stars for Gent

African internationals were heavily involved on Sunday in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League, where all eight matches from the 30th round were played simultaneously before the league is divided into three groups.

Vu des tribunes. 📹 #STAWES pic.twitter.com/Nc8mrzGypj

— Standard de Liège (@Standard_RSCL) March 23, 2026

While there were plenty of goal scorers, we start with a goalkeeper this time. Matthieu Epolo put on a stellar performance for Standard Liège, saving a penalty kick to help his team earn a point against visitors Westerlo in a 0-0 draw.

The 21-year-old native of Brussels and former Belgian youth international switched allegiance to the Democratic Republic of Congo in late 2025 and was in the Leopards team that emerged victorious at the African regional qualifying playoff for the 2026 World Cup. He debuted for the senior national team in a friendly against Zambia, playing the second half in a 2-0 victory in December.

Epolo is in the squad that will take part at the inter-confederation playoff this month, where the DRC are one victory away from their first World Cup qualification since they became the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify in 1974 back when the country was known as Zaïre. The young keeper’s performance on Sunday was celebrated by his club who reserved special praise for Epolo.

👏 pic.twitter.com/uAvFgL6vna

— Standard de Liège (@Standard_RSCL) March 23, 2026

There were also other numerous contributions from African players over the weekend. Ivorian international Wilfried Kanga provided a goal and an assist in a Man of the Match performance for KAA Gent, who won 3-1 at FCV Dender to secure a place in the championship group reserved for the league’s top-6 clubs.

After setting up the opening goal, the powerful forward finished the job for Gent with a goal late on. Also of note was Algerian international Abdelhak Kadri’s goal, which put the visitors into a lead they would not relinquish before Kanga’s late tally.

🇩🇿 | Schiet Abdelkahar Kadri KAA Gent naar de Champions’ Play-offs? 👀🍿 #DENGNT pic.twitter.com/202hpuiOe5

— DAZN België (@DAZN_BENL) March 22, 2026

On the opposite end of the table, we stay in the Flemish region of the country where OH Leuven earned a crucial 1-0 victory over Royal Antwerp. A red card issued to Antwerp’s Zeno Van Den Bosch set the stage for the hosts to sneak out of the relegation group.

And it was Guinea international striker Sory Kaba who became the hero. The towering forward got on the end of a 90th minute corner kick and his header had just enough power to get over the goal line.

🎉 | Sory Kaba verlost OH Leuven, dat uit de Relegation Play-offs klimt! 😱 #OHLANT pic.twitter.com/yVyDtypC9Y

— DAZN België (@DAZN_BENL) March 22, 2026

The goal sparked wild celebrations with Leuven players and staff knowing that the result was enough for them to climb out of the bottom four, meaning that they will avoid a fight to retain their top flight status next season.

One club that will compete in the relegation group is RAAL La Louvière despite their best efforts. Ghana international Jerry Afriyie scored in an absolute goal fest that ended with a 5-5 draw against visitors KRC Genk.

Genk were desperate for a victory to move into the championship group but despite goals from star right back and Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahdi as well as promising Cameroonian forward Aaron Bibout, they will have to settle for the the UEFA Conference League group reserved for clubs who finish 7th through 12th place.

🍿 | #RALGNK was gewoon spektakel van de bovenste plank. 🎬🥵

Bekijk de samenvattingen van speeldag 30 in de DAZN-app! 🔁 pic.twitter.com/XSAHzYEzH0

— DAZN België (@DAZN_BENL) March 23, 2026

Challenger Pro League: Young African talents audition for promotion to Jupiler Pro League

Younger African internationals continue to make strides in the second tier Challenger Pro League as well. 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations star Abubakar Abdullahi headed in a late match winner for the reserve team of KAA Gent in their 3-2 victory over Club Brugge’s reserve team Club NXT.

The Nigerian graduated to the reserve team this season and has contributed 10 goals and 3 assists in 24 matches from Belgium’s second tier.

After struggling to make an impact this season, 19-year-old Comoros forward Aboubacar Ali is finishing the campaign on a high note with Francs Borains. His hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over KV Kortrijk spoiled the visitors hopes of direct promotion to the top flight while making it four goals in two matches for the 19-year-old.

🦸‍♂️ | Aboubacar Ali is de hattrick-held van Francs Borains! 🥵♨️ #RFBKVK pic.twitter.com/0evT8wdexK

— DAZN België (@DAZN_BENL) March 21, 2026

Born on the island of Réunion close to Comoros, Ali debuted for the island nation’s senior national team late in their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign before joining Les Coelacanthes for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He did not make an appearance at the tournament but is a player to watch for the future.