Published on: Sunday, October 13, 2024, 08:54 | Category: Sports
Algiers – CS Constantine claimed their first victory of the Ligue 1 Mobilis season, overcoming JS Kabylie (2-3) in an intense away match on Saturday, as part of the fourth round of the local competition. Meanwhile, MC El Bayadh delivered a surprising upset, defeating reigning champions CR Belouizdad (2-3) in Algiers.
In the highlight match of the fourth round, CS Constantine secured their first win by taking all three points in a tough away encounter in Tizi Ouzou, where they triumphed over JS Kabylie (3-2).
Constantine opened the scoring through their striker Zeeb in the 13th minute, but former Algerian international Ryad Boudebouz equalized from the penalty spot in the 38th minute. Zeeb struck again in the second half, scoring two more goals in quick succession (58′ and 65′), completing the first hat-trick of the season.
JS Kabylie managed to reduce the deficit, with Boudebouz converting another penalty in stoppage time (90+9′). Both teams now sit tied in fourth place with six points each.
The round also witnessed a major shock as CR Belouizdad, the three-time defending champions, were defeated at home by bottom-placed MC El Bayadh (2-3). This victory marks the first points for MC El Bayadh this season, following three consecutive losses in their opening matches.
MC El Bayadh had a strong start, opening the scoring in the 5th minute through Barakat, and doubling the lead with a goal from Maouden just four minutes later (9′). CR Belouizdad responded with two goals from Algerian international Islam Slimani (32′ and 43′) to level the score before halftime.
However, MC El Bayadh regained the lead early in the second half, with Belaribi scoring the decisive goal in the 47th minute. These three valuable points lifted MC El Bayadh to 13th place (3 points), tied with CR Belouizdad and NC Magra.
In another match, NC Magra (13th place, 3 points) drew 2-2 with their visitors US Biskra (6th place, 5 points). The home team took an early lead with goals from Kemmoukh (3′) and Bouchouareb (8′), but US Biskra managed to equalize through Saad (39′) and Nazao (90′).
The round kicked off on Friday with newly promoted Olympique Akbou climbing to the top of the standings after securing a 3-1 away win against Paradou AC. Meanwhile, JS Saoura claimed their first victory of the season, defeating ES Sétif (3-2).
Olympique Akbou, the surprise package of the season so far, achieved their second consecutive win and third overall in four rounds under the guidance of Tunisian coach Moez Bouakaz. They followed up last week’s dramatic home victory over JS Saoura (2-1) with another impressive result.
New signing Ali Haroun, formerly of NA Hussein Dey, continued his fine form by scoring his third goal of the season, tying him with Paradou’s Adil Boulbina at the top of the goal-scoring chart. Boulbina, however, failed to find the net this week.
This defeat marks the second consecutive home loss for Paradou AC under Tunisian coach Radhi Jaïdi, following last week’s 3-0 loss to JS Kabylie. Paradou now finds themselves in a precarious position, requiring swift tactical adjustments to halt their negative run of form.
In another fixture, JS Saoura secured their first victory of the season by defeating ES Sétif (3-2) in a thrilling encounter. The home side scored the winning goal through Bentaleb in the 86th minute, handing ES Sétif their first defeat of the campaign.
In the final match on Friday, defending champions MC Alger continued their strong form with a 1-0 victory over visitors MC Oran, thanks to a goal by Naidji in the 66th minute. This win lifts MC Alger to second place in the standings (8 points), while MC Oran remains stuck in 9th place with 4 points.
Two matches were postponed to a later date: MC Mostaganem vs. USM Alger and ASO Chlef vs. USM Khenchela, due to the call-up of three international players from both USM Alger and ASO Chlef.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
CS Constantine, MC El Bayadh, CR Belouizdad, Ligue 1 Mobilis, football Algeria
