In code-division multiple-access (CDMA) systems,sub-optimum multi-user or joint detection algorithms have been studied recently, which are mostly designed for the uplink situation. The algorithms are too complex to implement for the downlink situation. The conventional receiver consisting of matched filters is often inefficient in eliminating MAI. The authors propose a data detection algorithm designed for downlink of CDMA systems which introduce channel equalization to eliminate MAI. It consists of a channel equalizer and code matched filter. The equalization algorithm is based on zero forcing (ZF) criterion.The performance of the algorithm is better than metched filter's and its complexity is cower than tunt of sub-optimum multi-user detection.