Sichenje finally makes English Championship debut in Charlton's draw against Southampton

Harambee Stars defender Collins Sichenje made his full debut in the English Championship on Saturday, 21 February, as Charlton Athletic battled Southampton to a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s Stadium.

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The former AFC Leopards defender started in a back three alongside Lloyd Jones and Amari’i Bell, earning his first start since completing his move to the Addicks on transfer deadline day.

Since signing on Monday, 2 February, Sichenje had been forced to remain patient, spending the previous three matches as an unused substitute.

During that period, Charlton recorded mixed results, a 0-0 draw against Queens Park Rangers, a 1-0 win over Stoke City and a 3-1 home defeat to Portsmouth.

The former PAOK U21 player lasted 89 minutes in his debut before being replaced by Harry Clarke late in the match after appearing to pick up a knock.

Sichenje delivered a solid defensive display, registering 11 defensive contributions.

He won two of his three tackles, made six clearances, blocked two shots, completed one recovery, won four of eight ground duels and both of his aerial duels, and was fouled four times.

Match report

Charlton nearly made a dream start in the fourth minute when Leo Scienza’s effort was superbly cleared off the line by Jones.

The Saints responded quickly as Shea Charles tested Thomas Kaminski with a strong strike that required a sharp save.

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James Bree also tried his luck from a free-kick in the 14th minute, but Kaminski pushed the ball away.

The hosts continued to press, with Charles again denied by Kaminski in the 26th minute. Ryan Manning then rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort, while Bree headed over from close range.

Southampton eventually broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Scienza delivered a pinpoint cross that Ross Stewart headed home to make it 1-0.

Charlton thought they had equalised in the 57th minute through Lyndon Dykes, but the goal was ruled out for handball.

The visitors finally found a way through in the 67th minute. Bell surged forward before picking out Docherty, who laid the ball into Sonny Carey’s path for a composed finish into the bottom-left corner to level the score at 1-1.

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The game remained intense in the closing stages. Harwood-Bellis was booked for a late challenge, while Downes and Conor Coady were also shown yellow cards following an off-the-ball incident.

Sichenje’s afternoon ended in the 90th minute when Clarke replaced him as Charlton held on for a valuable point.

The draw lifted Charlton to 17th place on 40 points, giving them renewed momentum in their push for survival.

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Sichenje joins fellow Kenyan Ayub Timbe, who has featured for Reading, among Kenyans who have played in the English Championship.

Defender Zak Vyner, who plies his trade for Wrexham FC and Leicester City's winger Silko Otieno, who have Kenyan heritage, are also plying their trade in England.