Sporting Hasselt edged past Francais-Borren 0:1 in the second round of the Challenger Pro League at the Stade du Mambour on Sunday. L. Milts' second-half goal proved decisive in a match where the visitors held their nerve after Francais-Borren pressed early. The result leaves both sides level on points in the table.
Francais-Borren started brightly enough, going close through a series of set-pieces. L. Vankerkhoven picked up a yellow card in the 19th minute after a late challenge, and L. Masscho followed suit three minutes later. The hosts had nine corners to show for their territorial dominance but struggled to cut through a compact away defence.
The turning point came in the 55th minute when L. Milts slotted home to give Sporting Hasselt the lead. Francais-Borren pushed for an equaliser immediately, but Milts was substituted just fifteen minutes later for T. Dierckx, a move that suggested the coach wanted to protect the advantage. Y. Kari went off at the 72nd minute as Hasselt began to manage the game.
Statistically, the match told a familiar story. Sporting Hasselt controlled possession at 54 per cent and registered six shots on target against four for the hosts. Francais-Borren managed nine shots overall but only four found the mark, while Hasselt landed six of their ten attempts. The hosts also committed more fouls, earning 17 free kicks compared to the visitors' 12.
Both teams now sit on six points after three matches, with Francais-Borren occupying sixth place and Sporting Hasselt seventh. The hosts had looked sharp in their opening fixtures, beating Liège 2:1 and sweeping aside Fenix-Orneau 2:0, but this defeat ends a brief run of confidence. Hasselt's away win follows a 1:0 victory over Dender and extends their unbeaten streak to five games across all competitions.