Sichenje features as Charlton beat Derby 2-1 in Championship opener

Collins Sichenje returned to league action as Charlton Athletic opened their English Championship campaign with a 2-1 victory over Derby County. Timothy Ouma, who joined the club on loan from Slavia Prague this week, was not included in the matchday squad.

Charlton fell behind in the 23rd minute when Sammie Szmodics put Derby ahead. The visitors protected their advantage until the second half, before Charlton changed the direction of the match with two goals.

Lyod Jones equalised in the 61st minute, and Tyreece Campbell completed the comeback with 10 minutes remaining. Charlton then turned to Sichenje in the closing stages, with the Kenyan defender replacing Nathaniel Chalobah in the 85th minute.

Eight minutes of added time allowed Sichenje to spend 13 minutes on the pitch. He recorded three touches and won one duel as Nathan Jones’ side held on for the opening-day points.

The appearance continued Sichenje’s gradual return after the injury he suffered in April. He had already featured for 12 minutes as a substitute in Charlton’s Carabao Cup victory over Cheltenham last weekend, making the Derby match his second substitute outing of the new season.

Ouma’s absence came shortly after his move was confirmed on Monday. The 21-year-old midfielder arrived on a season-long loan from the Czech club, but Jones decided he was not yet ready to be involved in the first league fixture.

Charlton are among the seven Championship teams to begin the season with victories. Their next fixture is against West Ham next weekend, giving Sichenje further opportunity to build match fitness and Ouma a chance to push for his first squad selection.