Ahmed Kendouci’s goal two minutes into the second half was all ES Setif needed to beat Guinean side Horoya AC 1-0 in Conakry on Saturday to begin their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group B campaign on a high.
The victory away from home takes the 2014 champions on top of the group.
The home side was generally dominant in the opening half and commanded 65pc of the possession, forcing Setif to play on the backfoot and defend deeper.
Goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya had to be on toes to keep his side in the game and twice came to the rescue plucking away efforts from Ocansey Mandela.
In the second half, Setif sought to start faster off the blocks and just needed two minutes to get into the lead with Kendouci finishing cleanly.
The goal was much of what Setif needed as they played with more comfort, turning the pressure pad on the home side.
Horoya’s bid to turn the game back into their favour suffered a huge hit in the 68th minute when Yakhouba Barry was sent off for a second bookable offense.
With the numerical advantage, Setif managed the game more easily and they managed to see off the result for a massive three points that push them into confidence with their minimum target being to qualify for the quarter finals.
Source: CAF
Shuaeeb Is a seasoned sportswriter, social worker, and philanthropist. He has been renowned for his support of disabled sports persons and championing for equal rights and opportunities for all sports persons. He is also a father of 4 children and married to His partner Moana who is of Australian descent. He currently does sports volunteering and disability support work aside from writing for this August media.
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