The 50 or so Charlton fans who made their way to Genk saw the Addicks sport their  new red and white home kit for the first time. 

The eagle-eyed amongst them may have witnessed a rabbit scampering around as they entered the stadium. Last season’s penalty king, Yoni Buyens, lined-up for Genk, and Charlton owner, Roland Duchatelet, was amongst the crowd .

With the Belgian League opening on 25 July, the hosts naturally had the edge in fitness and had the better of the chances in the first half. Shrijeri, Ndidi, De Camargo, Buffel, and Buyens with a header, all went close before former Standard Liege striker, Igor De Camargo, headed  Genk ahead six minutes before the interval.

Johann Gudmundsson went closest for Charlton. There was a scare for head coach, Guy Luzon, when Igor Vetokele was felled by a strong challenge from Gorius after fifteen minutes.

As on Saturday, the Addicks fielded an entirely different team for the second period. Genk were more conservative, making just the three half-time substitutions, one of those withdrawn being Buyens.

The contest was more even after the break, though Nick Pope was called upon to make a couple of smart saves. The towering Simon Makienok had a headed effort cleared off the line, but the visitors could not quite fashion an equaliser.

Ollie Muldoon was booked for an over zealous tackle on Heynen ten minutes from time. The game would have brought Luzon’s side on fitness wise, and they will head for Sint Truiden on Saturday.

Charlton (first half): Henderson; Solly, Bauer, Diarra, Fox; Gudmundsson, Cousins, Ba, Wiggins; Watt, Vetokele.

Charlton (second half): Pope, Barnes, Lennon, Obileye, Holmes-Dennis,  Charles-Cook, Muldoon, Jackson, Harriott,  Makienok, Ahearne-Grant.

Sub (not used): Pigott.

Booked: Muldoon 80 (foul).

Referee: Christof Virant

Lee Turner looks set to be unveiled as Charlton’s goalkeeping coach in the next few days.  Turner worked with Dougie Freedman and Lennie Lawrence at both Crystal Palace and Bolton, but opted to remain at the Macron rather than follow Freedman to Nottingham Forest.

The 50-year-old plied his trade with Margate and Ebbsfleet United and is a highly regarded coach.

There were strong rumours on Wednesday linking the Addicks with Moroccan defender, Zakaria Bergdich. Bergdich is a 26-year-old and is currently with Spanish outfit, Real Valladolid.