KVC Westerlo came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Charleroi in a tense Jupiler Pro League encounter at Het Kuipje. Isa Sakamoto's late strike sealed the win for the home side, breaking a run of poor form and revitalizing their season. Kevin Van Den Kerkhof opened the scoring for Charleroi in the 29th minute, but Westerlo responded through Allahyar Sayyadmanesh's penalty just before halftime.
Second Half Shift in Momentum
The second half saw Westerlo slowly taking control despite Charleroi's higher possession. Both teams exchanged yellow cards, with M. Nzita and A. Ousou being cautioned for Charleroi. Westerlo's substitutions added fresh energy, with the pivotal moment arriving in the 90th minute when Sakamoto, assisted by Sayyadmanesh, found the net to clinch the victory.
Analyzing the Numbers
Despite having only 46% possession, Westerlo outperformed expectations with an xG of 2.03. Charleroi managed more shots overall but couldn't capitalize, only hitting the target twice. Westerlo demonstrated efficiency, with Sakamoto's performance standing out due to his 4 shots, 2 on target, and an impressive player rating of 8.
A Vital Turn for Westerlo
This victory marks a significant turnaround for Westerlo, who have struggled in recent matches. The win boosts their confidence and standing in the league. Charleroi, despite a strong recent run, will see this as a missed opportunity to climb higher. Westerlo will look to build on this momentum as they head into their next fixtures.
