Harambee Stars defender Collins Sichenje made a second-half appearance for Charlton Athletic as the Addicks secured an impressive 2-1 victory over West Ham United in the English Championship on Saturday afternoon at the London Stadium.
Sichenje was introduced in the 77th minute as Charlton manager Nathan Jones made changes to protect his side’s advantage. The Kenyan international replaced Karlo Grant as Charlton held on to claim maximum points in a closely contested encounter.
Charlton made the perfect start to the game, taking the lead just seven minutes after kick-off through captain Lloyd Jones. The defender produced a spectacular overhead kick after Sonny Carey’s long throw found its way into the box, giving the visitors an early advantage.
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The Addicks continued to threaten, with Miles Leaburn coming close to doubling their lead when his effort clipped the crossbar. West Ham also created opportunities before the break, but Charlton goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo stood firm to ensure his side went into half-time with a 1-0 lead.
Charlton started the second half strongly and eventually doubled their advantage in the 56th minute. Tyreece Campbell produced a composed finish after Leaburn won possession and played him through, leaving the visitors two goals ahead.
West Ham responded by increasing the pressure, with Charlton forced to defend deeper as the home side searched for a way back into the contest. Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when Joël Piroe pulled one back after Okonkwo had initially saved Taty Castellanos’ effort.
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With the Hammers pushing for an equaliser, Jones turned to his bench and brought on Sichenje alongside Joe Rankin-Costello in the 77th minute. The Kenyan defender helped Charlton navigate the closing stages as West Ham continued to apply pressure.
The home side were handed a major opportunity to rescue a point deep into stoppage time after Conor Coventry was penalised for handball inside the penalty area. Castellanos stepped up to take the spot-kick and sent Okonkwo the wrong way, but his effort struck the post, allowing Charlton to escape with all three points.
The victory extended Charlton’s perfect start to the campaign, with Nathan Jones’ side recording three wins from three matches in all competitions.
For Sichenje, the appearance adds another important chapter to his development in English football as he continues to compete for regular playing time at Charlton.
Charlton will now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, where they travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in the second round on Wednesday evening.
