BRUSSELS — Vincent Kompany's debut as player-coach of Anderlecht ended in a shock 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Oostende in the Belgian league on Sunday, emphasizing the tough task the former Manchester City captain faces in his new managerial role.

The 33-year-old international defender was welcomed back to his first club by two massive banners and a chorus of adoring chanting as he put himself in the starting line-up.

Yet after a bright start in his first competitive match for his boyhood club in 13 years, Kompany's youthful side spent most of the game looking like the visiting team and were met by a chorus of jeers at the end of the match.

New Dutch signing Michel Vlap handed Kompany the ideal start with a 13th minute goal and soon after had a second effort ruled out by VAR.

Yet Oostende equalized through Ronald Vargas, who then could have put the hosts ahead before halftime had it not been for a save by Anderlecht goalkeeper Thomas Didillon.

Oostende substitute Fashion Sakala netted the 75th minute winner. A powerful header from Kompany himself at a set piece near the end of the game saw Anderlecht came close to an equalizer but the danger was cleared by the Oostende defense.

Kompany brought on his former Manchester City teammate Sami Nasri as a 61st minute substitute but the former France international made little impact in his first appearance in Belgian football.

After a magnificent 11-year spell with Manchester City ended with Kompany captaining them to a domestic treble, he has signed a three-year deal as he seeks to revitalize Belgium's most successful club who finished last of six in the championship playoffs last season. — Reuters