ES Sétif Clinch CAF Champions League Title After Tense Draw with AS Vita Club
By BBC Sport
Entente Sportive de Sétif have been crowned champions of the 2014 CAF Champions League, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Democratic Republic of Congo’s AS Vita Club on Saturday evening in Blida.
The Algerian side, playing in front of a passionate home crowd at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium, secured the title on away goals, having drawn 2-2 in the first leg in Kinshasa last weekend. With both legs ending in stalemates, Sétif’s two goals in Congo proved decisive in delivering the club its second continental crown.
Saturday’s final was marked by high tension and cagey play, especially in a first half largely devoid of clear scoring opportunities. But the contest sprang into life after the break.
Sétif broke the deadlock in the 50th minute when midfielder Sofiane Younès calmly finished at the far post, converting a well-placed cross from El Hedi Belameiri. The goal sent the home fans into raptures, momentarily easing the pressure on the hosts.
But AS Vita Club were quick to respond. Just four minutes later, a defensive error from Sétif gifted Congolese midfielder Lema Mabidi a shooting opportunity from distance. His thunderous 25-yard strike rocketed into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Sofiane Khedairia with no chance and levelling the score at 1-1.
Despite sustained pressure from the visitors in the closing stages, Sétif held firm, drawing on their experience and discipline to see out the result and seal the title. The aggregate score over the two legs ended 3-3, but the Algerians prevailed by virtue of their away-goal advantage.
The triumph marks a historic moment for ES Sétif, who last lifted the African title in 1988. Their latest victory ends a 26-year wait and cements their legacy as one of North Africa’s most respected football clubs.
“This is a huge moment for Algerian football,” said a jubilant Sétif coach Kheïreddine Madoui after the final whistle. “Our players gave everything. This is the reward of hard work and belief.”
Beyond the trophy, the win also carries added significance: it grants Sétif a place at the FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in Morocco in 2015. It will be the first time an Algerian club features in the prestigious global tournament, where they will compete against continental champions from across the world.
AS Vita Club, meanwhile, will be left to rue missed opportunities, but their impressive run to the final has reinstated their reputation as a powerhouse in Central African football.
For Sétif and their supporters, the night belonged to history — and to the return of the Black Eagle to the summit of African football.
