Zakaria Naidji shines bright in MC Alger’s first TotalEnergies CAF Champions League victory

MC Alger have finally secured their first TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage victory thanks to Zakaria Naidji’s exceptional performance.

The Algerian forward sealed the Vert et Rouge’s 2–0 win over Saint Eloi Lupopo, delivering far more than three points but a relief in a continental campaign that had so far been tough for the Algerian side.

In a packed Ali-Ammar Stadium in Douéra, MC Alger showed a more assertive and better-structured performance. After opening the scoring in the first half, the Algiers side looked to put the game beyond reach, fully aware of the constant threat Lupopo pose on the counterattack.

In the 68th minute, perfectly released in behind the defense, he used his pace and composure to beat the keeper with a precise finish, definitively sealing the outcome of the match.

Beyond its statistical importance, the goal freed up the entire team. Extremely active in attack, Naidji constantly made runs, wore down the Congolese defense, and contributed with intelligent off-the-ball movement.

This first victory in the group stages of competition revives the club’s ambitions in their group and restores confidence to a squad still under construction.