Royal Charleroi Sporting Club vs OH Leuven

Charleroi opened the new Jupiler Pro League season with a 3-1 win over OH Leuven at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi. Parfait Guiagon's early penalty set the tone, but the game really turned on a red card that left the visitors fighting uphill for over an hour. Guiagon converted from the spot in the 24th minute. Minutes later, Abdoul Karim Traoré, already booked, was sent off for striking Aiham Ousou. Óscar Gil still leveled it at 1-1 before the break, scoring in the 39th minute despite the numbers disadvantage. Charleroi's extra man told after the interval: Kévin Van Den Kerkhof restored the lead in the 59th minute, and Freddy Mbemba added a third in the 79th, assisted by Isaac Cissé. It was the ideal opener for new boss Mario Kohnen, whose side took control once the numbers favored them. For Timmy Simons, starting his Leuven tenure, it was a harsh introduction, leaving his team pointless after round one.