Nicholson off the mark in third season with Charleroi

National striker Shamar Nicholson is finally off the mark, after four games, in the 2021-22 Belgian Jupiler League season. His team, Charleroi, however, had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Zulte Waregem in their league game on Sunday.

Nicholson's low drive in the 51st minute gave Charleroi a 2-1 lead, but Jelle Vossen's second goal of the game for Zulte Waregem in the 78th minute was enough for the points to be shared. Charleroi took the lead through Anass Zaroury in the 19th minute before Vossen equalised in the 36th minute.

This is Nicholson's fourth overall appearance and his third start of the new campaign since returning to the club from international duty. While he was with the team for part of their pre-season camp, he missed their July 24 season opener against KV Oostende as he was competing with the Reggae Boyz at the 2021 Gold Cup.

In a recent interview with Belgian newspaper La Meuse, Nicholson said it wasn't difficult for him to get back up to speed when he returned from the tournament.

"I feel good, both mentally and physically. I am happy to be in this team. And while that has changed tactically, it wasn't too hard to get back to the squad because I've played in a two-attacker system before," Nicholson said. "And then before leaving for the national team, I had a friendly with Charleroi. It made it easier for me to come back."

Nicholson is hoping to continue his improvement in his third season in Belgium. The 24-year-old scored 10 goals in all competitions last season. However, he improved his league goal tally in his second season with nine, one more than his debut 2019-20 season, where he scored eight. That year, the league was abruptly ended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Charleroi finished 13th last season with 42 points.

Sunday's 2-2 draw continues Charleroi's unbeaten start to the season with one win and four consecutive draws. The club is currently in ninth place with seven points, four adrift of leaders Eupen. Nicholson will look to add to his tally in Charleroi's next league fixture against Beerschot this Saturday.