De Graafschap emerged as deserved winners from the duel with Roda JC in Kerkrade on Sunday evening. In the Parkstad Limburg Stadium, they won 1-4 against the Koempels.
De Graafschap in the lead
After a hesitant and messy start to the match, De Superboeren took the lead in the first half for the third time this season. Ibrahim El Kadiri was able to become dangerous on the left flank a few times. This also happened in the 18th minute of the match. The 22-year-old winger made a good move and gave a perfect cross to striker Jesse Van de Haar who then headed it nicely into the far corner.
After the 0-1 the home team gave the initiative to De Graafschap. The Superboeren tried to become dangerous via long balls from the back. Due to some clumsiness in the build-up of the Achterhoekers Roda JC was able to get back into the game, somewhat against the odds. Debutant under the bar Joshua Smits wanted to play Donny Warmerdam in the defense. The ball was won and Thibo Baeten was able to be put in position; 1-1 at half-time.
Decision from the spot
The first twenty minutes of the second half were not of high quality. The substitutes, including Philip Brittijn and Mimoun Mahi, then brought the necessary fresh energy into the match. Brittijn provided more movement and dynamism in the game, and Mahi immediately showed his class with a shot on the crossbar from about 30 meters away.
After a well-organized attack, De Graafschap took a 1-2 lead in the 68th minute of the match. Jeffry Fortes himself set up the attack from his own half. Through good combination play between Brittijn and Mahi, the ball ended up with the same Fortes who was then able to pass it to Van Gilst. Tristan turned well away from his opponent and shot his second goal of the season.
After De Graafschap took the lead again in the match, Roda JC had to take more risks to still have a chance of a good result at home. This created large spaces behind their defense, which allowed the Superboeren to create chances.
Fifteen minutes before the end, Ibrahim El Kadiri should have scored on an assist from Philip Brittijn. He hit the outside of the post. Shortly afterwards, Ralf Seuntjens, who had come on for goal scorer Jesse Van De Haar, was taken down in the penalty area. Referee Van Der Laan pointed decisively to the spot. Captain Fortes kept his cool and convincingly shot the 1-3 in from 11 metres. The match was decided.
Ibrahim El Kadiri determined the final score with a goal reminiscent of his strike against FC Volendam in the first match of this season. From the left side of the field he cut inside and then stood on the edge of the penalty area for a shot. With his right leg he curled the ball beautifully into the far corner.
With this deserved 1-4 victory, De Graafschap books the biggest victory in Kerkrade in 70 years. De Graafschap will face FC Eindhoven on Friday at their own De Vijverberg.
Roda JC Kerkrade – De Graafschap: xx-xx
Goalscorers: 0-1 Jesse Van De Haar (18th), 1-1 Thibo Baeten (36th), 1-2 Tristan Van Gilst (68th), 1-3 Jeffry Fortes (83rd), 1-4 Ibrahim El Kadiri (90+2).
Line-up Roda JC Kerkrade: Bucker; Kruiver, Koglin (46. Jansen), Oude Kotte, Muller; Sejdiu (46. Griffith), Kongolo (76. Bangura), Beerten (76. Dzepar), Leijten (62. Krawczyk); Baeten, Peña Zauner.
De Graafschap’s line-up: Smits; Fortes (C), Hillen, Besselink, Schoppema (57. Symons); Warmerdam, Van Gilst (70. Eduardo), Najah (46. Brittijn);
Yellow cards Roda JC Kerkrade: –
Yellow cards De Graafschap: Najah, Schoppema, Besselink, Hillen.
Red cards Roda JC Kerkrade: –
Red cards De Graafschap: –
