Ghana U20 forward Joseph Opoku opened his goalscoring account in the Belgian Pro League on Saturday night, playing a crucial role in Zulte Waregem’s dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Sporting Charleroi.
The 19-year-old striker, who has steadily worked his way into Waregem’s starting setup this season, struck in the 62nd minute to cancel out Charleroi’s early lead before a stoppage-time winner sealed victory for the newly-promoted side.
Charleroi went ahead after just 15 minutes when German midfielder Patrick Pflücke finished off a move orchestrated by Etienne Camara. The hosts’ momentum, however, was checked in the 24th minute as Syrian defender Aiham Ousou was shown a straight red card, reducing them to ten men.
Opoku, lively throughout the contest, seized his moment after the break with a composed finish to bring Waregem level. His equaliser shifted the momentum firmly towards the visitors, who piled on the pressure in search of a decisive goal.
Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time, as veteran forward Jelle Van Vossen latched onto a precise pass from Nigerian attacker Anosike Ementa to complete the turnaround.
Opoku featured for 77 minutes before being replaced by Albanian midfielder Serxho Ujka. His compatriot Raymond Asante remained on the bench for Charleroi.
The young Black Satellites striker has now made eight league appearances this season, contributing one goal and three assists, underlining his growing influence at Waregem.
