Antwerp FC did not manage to win the Belgian Cup for the second year in a row. In the final, the Great Old eventually had to give up against Union SG: 1-0. For several players, however, it was their last chance to win a prize with RAFC.
Last season, Antwerp was still the big loser in Belgian football. After first winning the Croky Cup, it also won the national title a few weeks later. A Super Cup was added in the summer. And then the number one team was allowed to make its debut in the Champions League.
But the successful year of 2023 did not have a proper follow-up in 2024. The defending champion still finished third in the regular competition, but after a dramatic series in the Champions’ Play-Offs, it was definitively knocked out of the title race. And now the cup final was also lost.
Summer metamorphosis
A big setback for the Great Old, which is preparing for a metamorphosis in the summer months. It was previously announced that coach Mark van Bommel will leave after the season. The Dutchman will be followed by several players, so a major clean-up is expected in the dressing room.
Owen Wijndal also seems to be busy with his last matches at Antwerp. The Dutch left back was taken over from Ajax on loan in the summer. But although he grew into a permanent member of Van Bommel’s team, the collaboration will not be continued.
Back to Ajax
Wijndal seemed to confirm this himself after the cup final Gazette of Antwerp. “It could have been a nice farewell,” he said. “And it could also have been great for the entire team. We have been looking forward to this for a long time, so the disappointment is enormous.” With the Argentinian Ayrton Costa, a new left back seems to be on its way to the Bosuil.
