Charleroi surprised many this weekend when they beat Antwerp 3-1 away from home. The side have struggled to score this season, a problem that has plagued the side since the 2021/2022 season. No Charleroi striker, or even anyone in their squad, has reached double figures since that campaign. That season, Shamar Nicholson scored 13 before leaving during the winter window, with his replacement Vakoun Bayo scoring 11. The latter then left to join Watford, and a replacement for him has not been found since.
But Sunday’s result suggested that the side might have finally found a striker capable for scoring goals. Prior to Sunday, Serbian forward Nikola Stulic had only scored once for the side in 28 games since joining during the 2022/2023 season. He was unlucky not to add to that last time out against Standard Liege, hitting the post twice. This weekend his luck changed. The striker smashed in the first before taking advantage of a defensive mix up to grab his second. These two goals put him third in the scoring charts for Charleroi.
🇷🇸| Prior to Sunday, Serbian striker Nikola Stulic had scored just once for Charleroi in 28 games.
— Get Belgian & Dutch Football News (@GBeNeFN) December 9, 2024
⚽️⚽️ He doubled that tally as Charleroi beat Antwerp 3-1 away from home!pic.twitter.com/naGHRr6WLw
The 23-year-old joined the club having impressed with 12 goals in 23 games for Serbian side Radnicki Nis. Given his age, Charleroi may well be rewarded for showing some patience with the young striker. His recent two games are a promising sign, but may well be just a flash in the pan. If Stulic can build on these performances, the side may well have their Bayo replacement.
