Felice Mazzu now also loses with Charleroi to ex-team Union, Swedish striker Gustaf Nilsson again the hero

For the second time this season, Felice Mazzu faced his ex-club Union: earlier he lost 2-1 against Union with Anderlecht, even now he had to recognize his superior in the team from Brussels.

Union immediately took control of the game at Mambourg. The difference in quality quickly became clear, although Union was unable to finish his first chances via Lapoussin and Boniface. Halfway through the first half it was still a hit: Lynen sent Nilsson alone to Koffi, the Swede shot past Koffi with his left. The tall striker has been finding his way to goal all too well lately, so Karel Geraerts still has a difficult decision to make now that he also has Yorbe Vertessen available in the front.

And the Zebras? They created very little. There was only one threat in the first half, but Heymans was unable to complete a well-played counter. In the end, Charleroi was lucky that it only went into the break with a 0-1 deficit: a much-needed intervention by Marcq – who was still at Union last season – was necessary to keep Nilsson from scoring his second goal.

The second half started better for the home team. Mazzu had clearly lectured his troops during the break, because there was immediately much more intensity and decisiveness in the game of the Zebras. Via Mbenza it was possible to threaten twice early on, but the striker’s visor was not properly adjusted.

Competition dies

However, Charleroi soon dropped the good intentions: after the strong opening phase, the game became watered down. Charleroi had a harder time keeping the ball in their own ranks and also handed in the leather several times. Union also had a hard time putting together a full-fledged campaign. It meant that we hardly saw any chances on either side.

Those who expected a hellish final offensive from the home team were also disappointed. Union was perfectly positioned in the back and did not give away any space, although it could never use the space on the counter either. Only Boniface had a good shooting chance in the absolute final, but the striker did not get past Koffi. A 0-1 final score was therefore the logical end result. Union continues to do so excellently, while Charleroi will have to make a considerable effort if it still wants to participate in the battle for a ticket for the Europe play-offs.

Charleroi: Koffi, Bager, Marcq (88′ Van Cleemput), Boukamir (72′ Morioka), Nkuba (46′ Tchatchoua), Zorgane, Ilaimaharitra, Heymans (46′ Hosseinzadeh), Kayembe, Badji (84′ Descotte), Mbenza

Union: Moris, Van Der Heyden, Burgess, Kandouss, Lapoussin, Teuma, Lynen, Lazare (89′ Puertas), Nieuwkoop, Nilsson (84′ El Azzouzi), Boniface

goals: 24′ Nilsson (Lightning)

Yellow cards: 16′ Boukamir, 23′ Nkuba, 31′ Lynen, 65′ Ilaimaharitra, 81′ Burgess

Red cards: /

Referee: Lawrence Visser