18/05/2026
May 14, 2026, was a glorious day in the history of our football team KRC Harelbeke. The Rats (how the team is called localy) won the play-off final at Londerzeel and thus promoted to the First national football league (this is the third league after Jupiler Pro League and Challenger Pro League). Although it was a nail-biter of epic proportions.
Visiting Londerzeel, who were in contention for the title in 2B until the very end, Harelbeke held their own quite well. After 90 minutes, the score was still 0-0.
In the 95th minute, substitute Darren Degryse broke the deadlock: 0-1. Harelbeke seemed to hold on until El Madani scored the 1-1 equalizer in the very last minute of extra time.
In the penalty shootout, the home team missed immediately. Bendianishvili, De Backer, Verhaest, and Dubrovhni did score for the visitors, allowing the Rats to win the penalty shootout 3-4. The crowning achievement of a brilliant playoff campaign for KRC Harelbeke, which successively defeated KV Diksmuide Oostende, Jong Essevee, and SK Londerzeel.
As a result, the First National Division will feature five West Flemish clubs next season: KRC Harelbeke, FC Knokke, SK Roeselare, Jong Cercle, and Mandel United.
KRC Harelbeke
14 mei 2026 is een gloriedag in de geschiedenis van KRC Harelbeke. De Ratjes wonnen de finale van de eindronde op Londerzeel en promoveren zo naar de…