CHARLEROI, Belgium (Interstat) — Substitute Bernard Nguene scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to lift Standard Liege to a 2-1 victory over Sporting Charleroi in a Belgian First Division A match Saturday at Stade du Pays de Charleroi.

The visitors secured a winning start to their league campaign, improving their season record to one win and no losses. Charleroi, playing at home, began its season with a defeat, moving to no wins and one loss.

The match, which saw a flurry of second-half action after a cagey opening, ultimately turned on the contributions of substitutes. Standard Liege’s Nguene, who entered the game in the 61st minute, made an almost immediate impact by netting the decisive goal just seven minutes later.

The game’s opening goal came from Charleroi forward Antoine Bernier, who broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute. Bernier finished an assist from defender Mardochée Nzita to give the home side a lead that seemed poised to hold up against the favored visitors.

Standard Liege, which entered the match with a 78.2 percent probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, responded quickly. Nguene leveled the score in the 68th minute, converting a setup from midfielder Etienne Camara to swing momentum back toward the visitors.

The contest was a physical affair, with five yellow cards issued by the officiating crew. The cautions began in a contentious six-minute span early in the second half, with Standard Liege’s Aiham Ousou booked in the 48th minute, followed by Charleroi’s Nzita in the 50th and Standard’s Camara in the 54th. Standard defender Lewin Blum received a yellow in the 76th minute.

As the match entered added time, it appeared headed for a draw. However, Standard Liege found a late winner in the third minute of stoppage time. Defender Lewin Blum delivered an assist to fellow substitute Tobias Mohr, who scored to complete the comeback and seal the three points for the visitors. Standard substitute Casper Nielsen was shown a yellow card in the fifth minute of added time following the goal celebration.

The final score defied the pregame simulation from Interstat, which had projected a 3-1 victory for Standard Liege.

Key performances included the goal-scoring substitutes for Standard Liege, Nguene and Mohr, along with Charleroi’s early scorer Bernier. Defenders Ousou of Standard and Nzita of Charleroi, along with midfielders Camara of Standard and Nielsen of Standard, were credited with assists in the contest.

The victory gives Standard Liege early momentum in the Belgian top flight, while Sporting Charleroi is left to rue a late collapse after holding a lead for much of the second half. Both teams’ records across all competitions now mirror their league standings.