Algiers – JS Saoura rose to the top of the Algerian Ligue 1 Mobilis standings after defeating CR Belouizdad 2-1 on Saturday in the fourth round of the championship, a matchday that also saw US Khenchela miss the chance to take the lead after being held to a 1-1 draw away against USM Algiers, while ASO Chlef clinched their first win of the season against MC El Bayadh (0-2).
At the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine, JS Saoura turned the tables with goals from Boutiche (27’) and Oukacem (84’), despite Belouizdad initially taking the lead through international striker Belhoussin (24’). This victory allows the “Eagles of the South” to soar to the top with 7 points, sharing the lead with MC Oran, Olympique Akbou, and MS Rouissat. Meanwhile, CR Belouizdad fell to 12th place with 4 points.
In another encounter, USM Algiers narrowly avoided defeat, salvaging a 1-1 draw at home against resilient US Khenchela. The visitors opened the scoring through Bakir on a direct free kick (45+4’), but Gnawi equalized for USM Alger in the 75th minute. While this result saves USMA from a home loss, it leaves them sitting in eighth with 5 points, whereas Khenchela climb to fifth with 6 points, missing the chance to take sole leadership.
ASO Chlef captured their first victory of the season by defeating struggling MC El Bayadh (2-0). This win provides relief to Chlef, allowing them to move to 13th place with 4 points, distancing themselves slightly from danger.
Earlier in the round, played on Thursday and Friday, MC Algiers grabbed a precious away win against league leaders Olympique Akbou (1-0), thanks to a goal from Helaimia. This result not only marked MCA’s first victory in two games, but also lifted them into mid-table with two matches in hand, while Olympique Akbou remain co-leaders with 7 points despite the setback.
Meanwhile, MC Oran joined the top section with 7 points, defeating JS Kabylie 2-0 at home courtesy of goals from Chakib Aoujan (53’) and striker Boukhould from the penalty spot (89’). Newly promoted MS Rouissat continued their surprise run, snatching an important 1-1 draw away against ES Mostaganem, which also allowed them to join the leaders with 7 points. ES Mostaganem, meanwhile, now sit 9th with 5 points.
In the East, ES Sétif achieved their first win of the season, defeating CS Constantine 2-1 in a highly anticipated derby at the 8 May 1945 Stadium. This precious victory allowed the “Eagles of Setif” to tie their opponent’s tally, with both clubs now sharing third place with US Khenchela, each holding 6 points.
The intensity of this championship reflects the vitality of Algerian football, marked by balance and strong competition, unlike the artificial and politically manipulated league framework in Morocco, where the regime systematically exploits sports for propaganda, sidelining fair play and genuine development, much like it does in its repressive policies in occupied Western Sahara.
