Date Published: Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Category: Sports
Oran – Trarji Mostaganem, newly promoted to Algeria’s Ligue 1 after a 25-year absence, is facing significant challenges adapting to the elite league’s competitive demands. This is evident from their recent performance, which includes four losses and two draws in their last six matches.
The team’s poor form has pushed them to 15th place, the penultimate position in the standings, with just one match remaining before the end of the first half of the season. They have accumulated only 12 points from three wins, three draws, and seven defeats.
While Trarji has a game in hand against MC Alger, scheduled for February 2 at their home ground, concern among fans and club stakeholders is growing. The specter of a quick return to Ligue 2 looms large.
Unexpected Struggles After Promising Start
Despite entering the league with high hopes following solid preseason preparations under their former coach, Cherif Hadjar, Trarji’s season has taken a negative turn. Their early-season optimism was fueled by good performances but soon faded as the team fell into a slump, culminating in Hadjar’s dismissal.
Their last victory came on November 3, when they secured a 2-1 away win against fellow newcomers Olympique Akbou. However, this was followed by a home defeat to CR Belouizdad, which led to Hadjar’s departure. Hadjar has since taken over coaching duties at US Khenchela, another Ligue 1 team.
Challenges for New Coach Slimane Rahou
Former international defender Slimane Rahou, now in his first managerial role, has struggled to inspire the team. The latest setback came in a 2-1 loss to JS Kabylie, the league’s temporary leaders. Despite the defeat, Rahou praised his team’s improved performance, viewing it as a foundation for future progress.
Rahou remains optimistic, emphasizing continued hard work to overcome the team’s current difficulties. He hinted at utilizing the upcoming winter transfer window to address weaknesses, acknowledging the challenges posed by the squad’s overhaul, which saw 20 players recruited during the summer transfer period.
Trarji Mostaganem’s management and supporters will be hoping for swift improvements as the team battles to retain its place in Algeria’s top football division.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
