NAC substitutes complete late comeback in season opener at TOP Oss

NAC Breda began their 2026/27 Keuken Kampioen Divisie campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory away to TOP Oss, completing the comeback through two substitutes. Pepijn Reulen scored deep into stoppage time after Moussa Soumano had brought the visitors level during the second half.

TOP Oss went ahead in the 19th minute when Franslyn Nsigni converted after goalkeeper Michael Verrips had made the initial save. Verrips subsequently denied another major home chance, while NAC threatened through Raul Paula, Rio Hillen and Jan Van den Bergh without finding an equaliser before half-time.

NAC increased the pressure after the interval. The visitors hit the woodwork twice during one attack in the 56th minute, while TOP goalkeeper Mike Havekotte also produced an important save. Oss then struck the crossbar at the other end, but Soumano — returning from injury — made it 1-1 shortly after coming from the bench. Reulen followed him by converting Boyd Lucassen’s cross with his first opportunity of the game to secure all three points.

Academy players Rayan van Aarst and Imran Nazih also made their official NAC debuts as second-half substitutes. Head coach Carl Hoefkens felt his team had controlled much of the contest but acknowledged that the quality of its crossing and shooting must improve. He also warned that NAC had allowed Oss chances too easily, although he described the opening three points as hugely important. Reulen, meanwhile, said he was delighted to make a decisive impact while underlining his ambition to earn a regular starting place.