SETIF, Algeria (Interstat) — ES Setif opened its Algerian Ligue 1 season with a commanding 4-1 victory over USM Khenchela on Friday at Stade du 8 Mai 1945. The home side overwhelmed the visitors early, with Akram Djahnit scoring just two minutes in. Kamel Hamidi added another goal in the eighth minute before Merouane Zerrouki headed home in the 41st.

Khenchela’s lone reply came from substitute Mohamed Islam Bakir in the 50th minute, but Setif midfielder Kheir Eddine Toual, who also had an assist, restored the three-goal margin in the 62nd. Khenchela’s Oussama Litim received a red card in the 58th minute, hampering any comeback attempt. The result defied a national statistical projection of a 1-1 draw.