After failing to win against fellow contenders Waasland Beveren in Sunday's Belgian second division promotional play-offs, Mustapha Jarju’s Mons are now faced with a tight contest with opponents in the race for the first division qualifiers.
Mons could have had a smooth ride over fellow competitors had they kept up Sunday's 2-1 early lead with goals courtesy of Perbet and Gambia mid-fielder Mustapha Jarju against Waasland Beveren. But the Dragons lost it all when they allowed Waasland's Clepkens and Bourabia equalizer and the 3-2 winner to open a difficult promotional finale.
The Belgian second division outfit, set on gaining promotion to the topflight league with just 10 points so far, have a major hill to climb. They need to beat another stiff rival Lommel United in Thursday's home match.
When both side's met in the first round Mons rambled on Lommel United with a 5-1 score.
Lommel United are closing on Mons with 9 points and are third after runners-up Waasland Beveren, who are also clinching on 10 points but have fallen back on second spot with a lower goal advantage to Mons.
AS Eupen will tackle Waasland Beveren, also in Thursday matches.
