Nicholson’s European dream ends in disappointment

National striker Shamar Nicholson's European adventure ended in disappointment as his Belgian club Charleroi fell short of reaching the group stage of the Europa League, losing 2-1 to Polish club Lech Poznan in their final qualifying-round tie yesterday at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi.

Dani Ramirez opened the scoring in the 33rd minute for Poznan and Tymoteusz Puchacz doubled their lead four minutes from half-time. Charleroi had an opportunity to cut the deficit from the penalty spot in the 51st minute, but Kaveh Rezaei effort was saved by Poznan goalkeeper Filip Bednarek. Mamadou Fall eventually got the home side on the board four minutes later as his effort rocketed past Bednarek to give the Zebras some hope.

Their chances increased when Poznan defender L'ubomir Satka was sent off following his second yellow card with 14 minutes remaining. On the ensuing free kick, Rezaei's effort hit the post. Charleroi would get two more opportunities as full time approached, but Nicholson's header in the 83rd minute went over the bar, and Fall's shot in the 87th minute was foiled by Bednarek, denying them the chances for an equalizer and extra time.

It is the second successive season that Nicholson has not been able to advance to the Europa League group stages. He went to the second qualifying round with his previous team, NK Domzale of Slovakia, before losing to Swedish Club Malmo in 2019.

Charleroi return to league play this Sunday as the current league leaders host fourth-placed Standard Liege.