Standard de Liège extended their unbeaten start to the season with a deserved 1-0 win over Royal Antwerp FC in the Pro League on Saturday.
The Liege side were largely on top throughout the contest but struggled badly with their finishing. Nguene went close in the fourth minute, Abid had efforts in the sixth and 50th minutes, Ayensa threatened in the 20th and Hautekiet missed another chance in the 26th. Karamoko then struck a corner in the 21st minute and Nguene hit the crossbar in the 51st.
Antwerp, by contrast, offered little for long periods, although Frey had a major opening in the 12th minute that was well turned away by Epolo.
The breakthrough came when Tsunashima fouled Abid and, after a VAR check, the referee awarded Standard a penalty. Ayensa converted it cleanly to give the hosts a lead that, on the balance of play, they had more than earned.
The match then opened up. Drammeh missed the chance to settle it in the 79th minute, before Fossey cleared a dangerous effort off the line in the 82nd. Nsimba also had a big opportunity late on but could not score in the 89th minute, while Frey might have equalised in stoppage time at 90+2.
Standard held on for a third straight league victory, their first such run since January 2025, and maintained their unbeaten record this season.