Parfait Guiagnon leads Charleroi to UEFA Conference League qualification

European football was at stake on Thursday in the finale of Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League and it was Charleroi who defeated Royal Antwerp 2-1 to qualify for the 2025-26 UEFA Conference League thanks to the efforts Parfait Guiagon.

Guiagon assisted the opening goal from Cheick Keita in the 61st minute but he saved his best for last. After Guinean striker Mohamed Bayo leveled for Antwerp in the 86th minute, the Ivorian came up with a moment of magic in stoppage time with a special dribble run and finish to clinch UEFA football for Charleroi in dramatic fashion.

The 24-year-old youth product of Abidjan club Africa Sports and later on Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv, continues to thrive at Charleroi since moving to Belgium from Maccabi. Guiagon finishes his 2024-25 season with 7 goals and 7 assists in 36 games, an improvement on last season in his first campaign in Belgian football.

The diminutive midfield magician was named in The Guardian’s “Next Generation” in 2018 and while he has yet to debut with the Ivory Coast national team, Guiagon is fulfilling his potential with Charleroi and improving his end product in the attack.

Full Match Highlights

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.