Belgian First Division wrap: Anderlecht survive scare, Mons edge Liege

Belgian First Division leaders Anderlecht were forced to come from behind to defeat Wassland-Beveren 2-1 on Sunday.

Defending champions Anderlecht entered the match with a five-point advantage over second-placed Zulte-Waregem.

And their task in extending it to eight became even tougher when the underdogs took the lead with four minutes of the first half remaining.

Jordan Remacle, an attacker on loan from Gent, scored the goal after good build-up play from Stijn De Smet to delight the home fans.

Anderlecht head coach John van den Brom was forced to change things at half-time but he was able to rely on Congo DR attacker Dieumerci Mbokani to give his side a lifeline.

Mbokani – playing his first match since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations – has been in incredible form this season, consistently scoring goals.

In 30 matches for club and country he has netted 27 times, bagging goals in 18 different games.

And this was no different as Mbokani’s 57th-minute equaliser gave the visitors a vital push heading into the last half-hour of the match.

Brazilian forward Kanu then sealed the points for Anderlecht when he converted Mbokani’s assist with nine minutes left.

The day’s other match saw Mons win 1-0 at Standard Liege.

Israeli forward Shlomi Arbeitman scored the game’s only goal after 18 minutes.