The 18th day of the Belgian football championship ended on a high note for KAS Eupen, with Beninese defender Olivier Verdon playing a pivotal role in their 1-0 victory over Ostend on Sunday evening.
Verdon, a key figure in the five-man defensive setup orchestrated by coach Beñat San José, once again showcased his reliability and composure at the back. Eupen had been struggling to find form, failing to secure a win since their triumph over Genk on November 2. After the match, Verdon reflected on the hard-fought victory: “It feels good to get three points. It was a complicated match because Ostend sat quite deep. We had to create space and find the gaps. We scored a goal and kept a clean sheet, what more could you ask for? The victory is well deserved.”
This win marked a much-needed return to form for Eupen, ending a run of four consecutive defeats—three in the league and one in the Belgian Cup. Verdon emphasized the importance of maintaining focus for the remainder of the season: “It’s tough on morale to lose several times in a row, but we never doubted ourselves. The team’s mentality is good, and this victory will allow us to bounce back stronger. Staying up? No, until it’s mathematically secured, it’s not over. Let’s first get a result in Antwerp next weekend. A big match, the kind I like, with a lot of pressure, where we’ll suffer and fight on the pitch. I can’t wait to be at the Bosuil.”
Since joining Eupen at the end of the summer transfer window, Verdon has been a transformative presence in the backline. The 24-year-old Beninese international traded his Alavés jersey for Eupen’s colors and immediately helped stabilize a defense that had previously been highly vulnerable. Before his arrival, the German-speaking club had managed just 3 points out of a possible 21, conceding 16 goals—an average of 2.3 goals per game. Verdon’s introduction into the starting lineup brought immediate improvements: Eupen now averages 1.3 points per game while conceding just 1.2 goals per match.
In short, Olivier Verdon has not only fortified Eupen’s defense but also restored hope and confidence to a team that was beginning the season in peril. His steady performances have been central to the club regaining its footing, proving that the Beninese defender is an indispensable asset in KAS Eupen’s campaign.