Charleroi secure continental football after dramatic victory in Antwerp | OneFootball

Les Zebras won 2-1 thanks to Parfait Guiagon’s 95th minute strike, securing a Europa Conference League play-off place for next season. Antwerp had got themselves back into the game through Mohamed Bayo’s tidy finish in the 86th minute after Cheick Keita’s header had put the visitors in front. Charleroi’s win at Bosuil Stadium ensures they will play European football for the first in five years.

Rik De Mil’s side started off confidently in an open affair which saw both sides squander big chances. However it was Keita’s close-range header from Guiagon’s cross that broke the deadlock. Antwerp kept pushing, bringing on Christopher Scott and Bayo on for extra firepower, with the latter eventually bringing the tie level. Gryano Kerk then had an excellent chance to complete the comeback but could not divert home before he was punished just minutes later.

Charleroi have enjoyed an excellent end to the campaign, having lost just once since the end of the regular season on March 16th. This is due, in large part, to De Mil’s influence since his arrival in February 2024.

As for Antwerp, their season ends in bitter disappointment. Club legend Toby Alderweireld has played his last match and The Great Old now look ahead to a second consecutive campaign without European football.

GBeNeFN | Samuel Fabre