CAF Champions League Final First Leg: AS Vita Club and ES Sétif Share the Spoils in Thrilling 2-2 Draw
There was no clear winner in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between AS Vita Club and ES Sétif, as both teams played out an intense 2-2 draw this afternoon.
The match, hosted in Kinshasa, was filled with drama, pace, and goals. ES Sétif took the lead early in the 16th minute courtesy of an unfortunate own goal from the Congolese side. However, AS Vita Club equalized right before halftime (45+1), thanks to a penalty coolly converted by Lema Mabidi.
The second half mirrored the first. ES Sétif once again went ahead in the 56th minute, this time through a lightning counterattack finished by Akram Djahnit, after a fine run by Ziaya. But AS Vita responded yet again in the 76th minute, with Lema Mabidi scoring a stunning second goal to level the match once more.
Final Score: AS Vita Club 2-2 ES Sétif
This result puts ES Sétif in a favorable position ahead of the second leg in Algeria, having netted two crucial away goals. Meanwhile, AS Vita Club will face an uphill battle in the return fixture as they must either win or secure a high-scoring draw to lift the trophy.
Starting Lineups:
AS Vita Club:
Lukong – Mabele, Dayo, Mondo, Ebunga – Munganga, Lema, Lusadisu, Luvumbu – Sentamu, Mubele
ES Sétif:
Khedairia – Megatli, Ze Ondo, Demmou, Mellouli – Zerara, Legraa, Laamri – Djahnit, Younes, Ziaya
The return leg promises to be a fiery showdown with everything still to play for.
