ALGIERS, Algeria (Interstat) — Zakaria Naidji scored just two minutes after coming off the bench to give MC Alger a 1-0 victory at CR Belouizdad in an Algerian Ligue 1 match Wednesday.

The decisive play at Stade Nelson-Mandela in Baraki unfolded rapidly. Substitute Mohammed Benkhemassa delivered an assist to fellow substitute Naidji, who finished for the game’s only goal in the 62nd minute. The goal defied pregame projections that heavily favored the hosts.

The match, an early season fixture for both clubs, was a physical contest featuring five yellow cards. MC Alger’s defense held firm against a CR Belouizdad side that was statistically favored to win but failed to find an equalizer despite eight minutes of stoppage time. The result gives MC Alger a winning start in domestic league play.