Collins Sichenje Earns His First Charlton Start in Southampton Draw

Collins Sichenje marked a major milestone in his professional career after making his full debut for Charlton Athletic in a 1-1 Sky Bet Championship draw against Southampton FC at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, February 21.

The Harambee Stars defender was handed a starting role by manager Nathan Jones, lining up in a back three alongside Lloyd Jones and Amari’i Bell in what proved to be a competitive and high-intensity encounter.

Since completing his move to Charlton on February 2, Sichenje had remained patient, spending three consecutive matches as an unused substitute.

During that spell, the Addicks registered mixed results- a goalless draw against QPR, a narrow 1-0 victory over Stoke City, and a 3-1 defeat at home to Portsmouth.

His inclusion in the starting XI signaled growing trust from the technical bench, with Jones opting to strengthen his defensive unit against a Southampton side pushing for promotion.

Sichenje, who has steadily risen through the ranks of Kenyan football to become a regular feature in the national team setup, showed composure and discipline throughout his time on the pitch before being substituted in the 90th minute for Harry Clarke.

First Half: Southampton Apply Early Pressure

Charlton began brightly and nearly opened the scoring in the 4th minute when Leo Scienza’s effort was dramatically cleared off the line by Jones.

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Southampton quickly responded, with Shea Charles forcing a solid save from Thomas Kaminski.

The hosts continued to press, as James Bree tested Kaminski from a free-kick in the 14th minute.

Midway through the half, the Saints intensified their attacking threat. Shea Charles again tried his luck, but Kaminski remained alert.

Ryan Manning came agonisingly close in the 26th minute, rattling the crossbar with a powerful strike.

James Bree later headed over from close range, while Carey fired wide as both sides searched for a breakthrough before halftime.

Second Half: Goals, Drama and Late Tension

The deadlock was broken shortly after the restart. In the 48th minute, Scienza delivered a pinpoint cross that was met by Ross Stewart, who powered home a header to give Southampton a 1-0 lead.

Charlton thought they had equalised in the 57th minute when Lyndon Dykes found the net, but the goal was ruled out for handball after a referee’s decision.

The Addicks continued pushing forward. In the 67th minute, they were rewarded for their persistence.

Amari’i Bell surged forward before picking out Docherty, who cleverly set up Sonny Carey to drill a precise finish into the bottom-left corner to level the score at 1-1.

The closing stages were filled with intensity. Harwood-Bellis was booked for a heavy challenge on Miles Leaburn, while Downes and Conor Coady were also shown yellow cards following an off-the-ball altercation.

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Charlton made late substitutions in search of a winner, including the introduction of Charlie Kelman and Conor Coventry, before Sichenje was replaced in stoppage time.

Despite late pressure from both sides, the match ended in a hard-fought draw -a valuable away point for Charlton.

Sichenje Reacts to Debut

Speaking after the match, the Kenyan defender expressed his delight at finally stepping onto the pitch for his new club.

“It feels amazing to be on the pitch and help the team to get a very big point for us.”

His performance offered encouraging signs for both Charlton and Kenyan fans, showcasing his physical presence, positional awareness, and ability to adapt quickly to the demands of English football.

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Sichenje and his teammates celebrating after full time whistle
PHOTO/Charlton Athletic FC/X