Kerkrade (The Netherlands), Jan 16 (IANS): Dutch football league leaders Feyenoord began the second half of the Eredivisie season with a 2-0 win at Roda JC Kerkrade here.

Without key midfielder Karim El Ahmadi, who was called up to play for Morocco at the African Cup of Nations, Feyenoord initially had difficulties in finding a gap in the tight Roda defence during the Sunday evening game, reports Xinhua news agency.

It took until the 69th minute for Kuyt to break the deadlock for Feyenoord. The captain had no hesitation in converting an opportunity within the penalty area although the television images showed that he received the ball in offside position.

Eljero Elia sealed the issue for the visitors in the 88th minute.

Also on Sunday, Ajax Amsterdam defeated PEC Zwolle 3-1.

With the teams locked 0-0 at the break, 17-year-old debutant Justin Kluivert, the son of former Ajax and FC Barcelona star Patrick Kluivert, made the difference in the second half.

Feyenoord now lead the Eredivisie table with 45 points from 18 matches, followed by Ajax (40), PSV Eindhoven (37), SC Heerenveen (32) and AZ Alkmaar (31).