Sichenje returns from injury as Charlton suffer home defeat

Kenya national team defender Collins Sichenje returned from injury and straight into starting XI but was not able to stop Charlton Athletic from losing at home on Wednesday.

The former AFC Leopards defender was among the nine changes made by coach Nathan Jones as they hosted Ipswich in a EFL Championship fixture at the Valley.

In the building 📍#cafc pic.twitter.com/aWWt1lUoue

— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) April 22, 2026

Apart from Sichenje, other players, who returned to the starting XI include Thomas Kaminski, Macaulay Gillesphey, Jayden Fevrier, Conor Coventry, Joe Rankin-Costello, Charlie Kelman and Tyreece Campbell.

Charlton lost 1-0 to Ipswich

However, the Addicks fell to a 1-0 defeat. Charlton opened the scoring inside the first minute. With just 42 seconds on the clock, Campbell raced onto a loose pass from Ben Johnson.

He fired the ball towards goal, but saw his shot saved by Christian Walton and Greg Docherty was on hand to fire home the rebound to put the Addicks in front.

With 58 minutes on the clock, the Tractor Boys went ahead via a penalty when Macaulay Gillesphey was adjudged to have fouled Darnell Furlong in the box. Jaden Philogene stepped up and converted the spot-kick.

Sichenje return good news for McCarthy

Thomas Kaminski got a hand to it, but it got away from the Charlton number one, and Ipswich had the lead.

The return of Sichenje will be good news to Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy, who missed the defender during their FIFA Series matches.

Harambee Stars is preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the South African legend would love to see his players fit and available for selection.