Algeria Ligue 1: ES Sétif halt the momentum of CR Belouizdad

A first half goal from Kingsley Eduwo was the difference between hosts ES Sétif and CR Belouizdad on Thursday as ESS emerged victorious with a 1-0 result at the Stade du 8-Mai-1945.

The experienced Nigerian striker, recently acquired from Tunisia Ligue 1 side Club Africain, reacted quickly to finish from the rebound in the 22nd minute after Salah Bouchama’s powerful long range strike was spilled by CRB goalkeeper Redouance Maachou. It was the first goal with ESS for the 28-year-old Eduwo who has made his name in Tunisian football as well as in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Iraq.

The victory for ESS continues a strong start to 2025 where they built up confidence with victories over lower division clubs in the Algerian Cup. For CRB, the result ends a run of two consecutive league victories and may be a symptom of the absence of experienced goalkeepers Moustapha Zeghba and Farid Chaal, a situation that requires the younger Maachou between the sticks.

CRB remain two points back of league leaders MC Alger who travel to face Paradou AC on Sunday. CRB next host US Biskra on Wednesday while ESS, who moved up to 7th position, travel to NC Magra for their next fixture on Wednesday. Also of note, JS Kabylie could only manage a 0-0 draw at Olympique Akbou as they continue to slide down the table.

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