R. Charleroi S.C. – KVC Westerlo

This Saturday, KVC Westerlo faces another challenge. If the Kemphanen still want to keep their hopes alive of winning the Europe Play-offs, three points away at Charleroi are a must. Kick-off is on Saturday at 4 PM at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi.

KVC Westerlo

Last Saturday, KVC Westerlo suffered a 3–0 defeat away at Genk, allowing the Limburg side to move three points clear. Could that match have ended differently? Absolutely. Both teams had equal possession (50%), but Westerlo recorded more passes (390) and more touches inside the opponent’s penalty area (30 compared to 27). The number of shots was also identical (15 each). The difference was efficiency: Genk created three big chances and converted one of them, while KVC Westerlo failed to capitalize on two big opportunities. “We had enough chances to score a couple of goals. Genk made the right decisions at the right moments, while we didn’t,” coach Charaï analyzed in Gazet van Antwerpen.

Still, the belief in a positive outcome remains strong within the squad. “No, it’s not over yet. A lot can still happen in the remaining three matches,” said Piedfort. “Never say never in these play-offs where every club can beat each other. We keep fighting for every point.” With three matchdays remaining, KVC Westerlo sits fourth with 30 points, just three points behind the league leaders. Win tomorrow, and everything remains possible. For the trip to Charleroi, Charaï can count on the following squad: Jungdal, Van Langendonck, Annell, Lapage, Kimura, Sydorchuk, Patrão, Bohamdi-Kamoni, Laalaoui, Sakamoto, Reynolds, Mbamba, Neustädter, Haspolat, Saito, Van den Keybus, Bayram, Piedfort, Alcócer, Ferri and Destan.

Royal Charleroi Sporting Club

Charleroi also has 30 points, just like KVC Westerlo, but currently sits third in the standings. After their 2–0 defeat against KVC Westerlo on the opening matchday of these play-offs, they dismissed head coach Hans Cornelis. Under new manager Mario Kohnen, the Zebras have rediscovered their form: four wins, one draw, and one defeat. Last weekend, Charleroi won 0–1 away at Antwerp. They will only be without defender Massamba Sow due to injury. Players to watch include: right-back Kevin Van Den Kerkhof (3 goals, 4 assists), who already scored against KVC Westerlo earlier this season, midfielder Patrick Pflücke (4 goals, 8 assists), known for his excellent left foot, target striker Aurélien Scheidler (8 goals, 2 assists).

Last weekend, Charleroi lined up as follows (4-2-3-1): Koné, Nzita, Keita, Ousou, Blum, Camara, Titraoui, Bernier, Guiagon, Van Den Kerkhof and Scheidler.

Our previous encounter

The most recent clash with Charleroi took place on the opening matchday of these Europe Play-offs. KVC Westerlo deservedly won 2–0. Charleroi started strongly and threatened through Guiagon and Nzita, but an excellent Jungdal and the post kept KVC Westerlo in the game. Gradually, the Kemphanen took control. In the 34th minute, Saito went down inside the box following a corner kick, and the referee pointed to the spot. Bayram calmly converted the penalty to make it 1–0. In the second half, the match completely shifted. Around the hour mark, Camara received his second yellow card, forcing Charleroi to continue with ten men. The visitors created one more big chance when Romsaas went one-on-one with Jungdal, but once again our goalkeeper stood firm. Ten minutes from time, KVC Westerlo sealed the victory: Ferri headed home a beautiful cross from Bohamdi-Kamoni to make it 2–0.

Did you know… 

• KVC Westerlo has the third-youngest squad in the Jupiler Pro League, with an average age of 23.7 years. Only Cercle Brugge (23.3 years) and KV Mechelen (23.4 years) have younger squads.
• Ferri is both the club’s top scorer this season (11 goals) and the player with the most assists (4). However, both Sakamoto and Sayyadmanesh also have four assists.
• Jungdal has not missed a single minute this season and has therefore played the full 2,700 minutes between the posts.
• Club icon Toni Brogno, who played for both KVC Westerlo and Charleroi, became a Belgium national football team player during his time with the Kemphanen. Then-national team coach Robert Waseige selected him seven times for the national team. Through this message, we would also like to wish Toni strength in his battle against liver cancer.

Referee

Jasper Vergoote will officiate Saturday’s match. He will be assisted by linesmen Michael Geerolf and Martijn Tiesters. The fourth official will be Massimiliano Ledda. Ken Vermeiren will be on VAR duty in Tubeke.