OUARGLA, Algeria (Interstat) — Khayreddine Merzougui scored the decisive goal in the 34th minute to lead MB Rouisset to a 1-0 victory over Saoura in Algerian Ligue 1 play Saturday at Stade 18 Février.

The forward connected on a header, assisted by Oussama Bentaleb, providing the only offense in a match where both sides finished with 10 men. Saoura’s Constant Wayou received a red card in the 63rd minute, and MB Rouisset goalkeeper Redouane Maâchou was sent off in second-half stoppage time.

The win opens the league campaign for MB Rouisset, which defied a pregame projection of a draw from Interstat. Saoura begins its season with a defeat.