ES Sétif Crowned African Champions After Gritty Draw Against Vita Club
By BBC Sport
ES Sétif have etched their name into African football history once again, clinching the CAF Champions League title for the second time following a tense 1-1 draw with AS Vita Club on Saturday night in Blida, Algeria.
After a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg in Kinshasa, the Algerian side knew a draw would be enough to secure the title on away goals — and they held their nerve. A vital strike from Sofiane Younès in the 47th minute proved decisive, with Vita Club’s equaliser later in the second half not enough to deny Sétif their long-awaited triumph.
The result marks the first time an Algerian club has lifted the Champions League trophy under the competition’s modern format. It also sees Sétif return to the summit of African football, 26 years after their first continental triumph in 1988.
In a tightly contested final at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium, Sétif struggled to break down a determined Congolese side in the first half. But just minutes after the restart, Younès pounced at the far post to slot home a crucial goal and send the home crowd into raptures.
“It was a difficult match. We were up against a very strong opponent — a team that didn’t reach the final by chance,” said Younès, who emerged as the hero on the night. “We knew a draw would be enough, but we had to fight hard for it.”
The visitors responded just seven minutes later with a spectacular strike from Lema Mabidi, who unleashed a long-range effort into the top corner, levelling the score on the night and setting up a nervy final half-hour. But Sétif held on, buoyed by a passionate home crowd and the knowledge that the draw would be enough.
“It’s a victory for our supporters, for Algeria,” added Younès. “We dedicate this to everyone who believed in us. The World Club Cup is next — but for now, we celebrate.”
The triumph means ES Sétif will represent Algeria in the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup, set to be held in Morocco. It also provides a huge boost for Algerian football, with domestic sides eager to make an impact on the continental stage.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among players and fans alike, as the club’s journey — marked by resilience, away goals, and collective belief — reached its glorious conclusion.
