SETIF, Algeria (Interstat) — ES Setif opened its Ligue 1 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over MC Oran on Friday at Stade du 8 Mai 1945. The result defied a pregame projection that favored a draw.

Mohamed Boukerma powered the win, scoring twice before halftime. He struck first deep into first-half stoppage time and added another in the 56th minute. Mohamed Hamek sealed the victory in the 69th minute. Boukerma also contributed an assist.

The match turned increasingly physical. Oran substitute Moustafa Zeghba received a yellow card and a subsequent red card in the 14th minute, forcing his side to play a man down for most of the contest. Setif improved to 1-0-0, while Oran fell to 0-0-1.