Preparations for the new season continue for Aspire Zone Foundation owned Belgian club KAS Eupen as they prepare for life in Belgium’s top league. The newly promoted side recently faced-off against Spanish La Liga side, Málaga CF, losing a hard-fought 2-3 game in Eupen. The game is the latest in a number of pre-season friendlies that have also seen the team play against teams including VfL Bochum and Lommel United.

The team put in a strong, committed performance during a closely fought and competitive match with lots of good attacking and counter-attacking play. Both sides created some excellent chances and had plenty of opportunities in front of goal. Despite a committed performance from KAS Eupen, Málaga CF secured victory with a last minute goal. Goals from Onyekuru (29’), Keko Gontán (51’), and Jony (90’) ensured a narrow 3-2 win for the visiting team from Spain that finished 8^th in the 2015-16 season of Spain’s top league.

A number of KAS Eupen players put in impressive performances during the game. Amongst them was Aspire Academy graduate Fahad Al-Abdulrahman Shnin, who made a huge contribution last year in helping the team secure promotion to the JupilerPro League. He played for a full 85 minutes against the Spanish side, making a significant contribution in defence. Following a string of excellent performances, KAS Eupen secured promotion to the Belgian Football First Division (JupilerPro League) at the end of the 2015/2016 season. The Pandas are returning to the top division of Belgian football for the first time since 2010/2011. The club has assembled a strong team of talented players including a number of graduates from Aspire Academy, and look set to be strong competitors in the coming season.