Belgian First Division wrap: Zulte-Waregem go top

Zulte-Waregem moved past Anderlecht into top spot in the Belgian First Division on Wednesday after a 4-1 thumping of Sporting Charleroi.

Franck Berrier gave the home side an ideal start at the Regenboogstadion, netting from the penalty spot in the seventh minute to send them on their way.

Belgian under-21 international Thorgan Hazard, younger brother of Chelsea star Eden, made it 2-0 after 19 minutes, and Bryan Verboom added a third six minutes before the break.

Ziguy Badibanga pulled once back for Charleroi four minutes into the second half, but a late goal from Senegalese striker Mbaye Leye wrapped up a comfortable win.

The victory saw Zulte-Waregem move top of the table, level on 25 points with Anderlecht but ahead because they have won more games than the Belgian giants.

Elsewhere, OH Leuven moved into third place thanks to their 3-1 triumph over Mechelen, with goals from Christian Pouga, Derick Ogbu and Ebrahima Sawaneh powering the victory.

Struggling Lierse had an 86th-minute goal from Ahmed Said to thank for their 3-2 victory over Club Brugge, while goals in the final five minutes from Ayanda Patosi and Enes Saglik fired Lokeren to a 2-0 win against bottom side Waasland-Beveren.

Second-half goals from Michy Batshuayi and Luis Seijas lifted Standard Liege to a 2-0 away victory over Genk, and a Jeremy Perbet penalty secured Mons a 1-0 triumph against Kortrijk.

Cercle Brugge enjoyed a 3-1 win at home against Beerschot, although they remain mired in the relegation zone after 13 games – still six points adrift of 14th-placed Lierse.