Sporting Hasselt saw off Mandel United 3-1 in the Cup Round of 64 on Friday evening. The away side had the better of the contest from the first whistle, with three goals spread across the second half and stoppage time. Mandel United's home advantage meant little against a visit that controlled the tempo.
The opening goal came in the thirty-second minute, a moment that shifted the balance early. By then, Hasselt's visitors had already established their presence on the pitch, pressing forward with purpose. Mandel United found themselves chasing the game rather than dictating it.
The second goal arrived just after half-time, in the forty-eighth minute. And here's the thing — it wasn't a fluke; it was the result of sustained pressure that Mandel United simply couldn't contain. The hosts looked increasingly vulnerable as the half progressed.
What followed was a flurry of activity in the dying stages. In the ninety-second minute, Hasselt added a third, and then in the ninety-third, they closed the game out with a fourth goal. The stadium fell silent as Mandel United's hopes evaporated in those final moments.
To be fair, this result reflects a deeper truth about the encounter. Hasselt were clinical when it mattered, while Mandel United offered little in response. The visitors held every card in the second half and didn't let go.
The defeat leaves Mandel United's cup campaign ended, while Sporting Hasselt advance to face whoever comes next. Recent form suggests this was no surprise — Hasselt had shown glimpses of resilience in their last few outings, even if results had been mixed.
