ES Sétif 2-1 NC Magra: Friendly Win Continues Pre-Season Build-Up

ES Sétif made a positive statement in their pre-season preparations on 21 August 2026, defeating NC Magra 2-1 in an international club friendly. The result gave the coaching staff plenty of encouragement as the team continues to fine-tune its tactics ahead of the new campaign.

With both sides using the match to test fresh combinations and give valuable minutes to squad players, the game was open and competitive from start to finish. ES Sétif controlled long spells of the contest, while NC Magra showed their own quality in moments, making it a useful test for both benches.

Key Moments

• 19' Goal: Forward Yacine Benamara opened the scoring for ES Sétif, finishing from close range after a well-worked move.
• 43' Goal: NC Magra equalised just before half-time through Sofiane Guedjali, who swept a low cross into the net.
• 67' Goal: Substitute Riad Aït Ferhat scored the winner, tapping in at the far post after a strong run down the left flank.

Match Overview

ES Sétif dominated the opening exchanges and showed impressive passing accuracy in the midfield third. Their first goal came from a patient build-up, with the full-back joining the attack to create a numerical advantage. After the equaliser, however, the game became more even, with both teams operating at a high tempo during a competitive second period.

Following the second ES Sétif goal, the match took on a more controlled rhythm. The coaching staff made several changes, allowing fringe players to demonstrate their fitness and tactical understanding. NC Magra pushed forward late in search of another equaliser but were solidly repelled by an organised ES Sétif defence.

Why Friendlies Matter

International club friendlies give teams the chance to test themselves against different styles and adapt to the physical demands of competitive football. For ES Sétif, this 2-1 victory built momentum and provided the coaching staff with useful data on the squad's attacking structure. For NC Magra, the match offered a strong workout and highlighted the areas that still need work before the season starts.

What’s Next

ES Sétif will take confidence from this performance as they wrap up their pre-season schedule. The work in attack will be particularly encouraging after scoring twice from open play. NC Magra, meanwhile, will look to refine their finishing in the final third during upcoming friendly fixtures, with the core positives still evident from their competitive display.