Setif's striker Abdel-Malek Zyaya (Photo: http://ar.algerie360.com)
The hosts were stunned by an own goal from striker Mubele Ndombe, giving the Algerian outfit an early lead in the 17th minute. But midfielder Chikito Mabidi scored the equalizer on penalty just before the break.
Setif's striker Akram Djahnit made it 2-1 for the visitors in the 58th minute but Mabidi scored again 13 minutes from time to salvage a draw his side.
A goalless draw in the second-leg, which takes place in Algeria next week, would be sufficient for Setif to win their first Champions League title.
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