Algiers – The fifth round of the Ligue 1 Mobilis football championship, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, appears favorable for the current leader, Olympique Akbou, as they host a struggling Olympique Chlef. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated Algiers derby at the 5th July Stadium between USM Alger and CR Belouizdad, a match open to all outcomes.
Olympique Akbou Aiming to Stay on Top
Olympique Akbou, the surprise of the season so far, leads the standings with 9 points and will aim to secure a crucial win at home against bottom-placed Olympique Chlef, who have managed only 2 points. A victory for Akbou would ensure they remain at the top of the table, maintaining their early momentum.
Olympique Chlef, on the other hand, finds itself in dire need of a turnaround. The team faces a tough challenge against Akbou, a side unwilling to drop points at home in front of their supporters.
MC Alger Faces a Tough Test in Khenchela
Second-placed MC Alger (8 points), the reigning national champion, travels east to face USM Khenchela (6th place with 5 points). Khenchela is eager to build on their first win of the season—a 2-0 victory over MC Mostaganem—and will look to secure another positive result.
MC Alger, still undefeated this season, aims to extend their unbeaten streak and remain among the top teams. However, Khenchela is equally motivated, hoping to join the leaders with a win in this challenging fixture.
Algiers Derby: A Clash of Contrasting Fortunes
The focus of this round will undoubtedly be the 86th Algiers derby between USM Alger (3rd with 7 points) and CR Belouizdad (13th with 3 points). Both teams come into the game with different goals and contrasting circumstances.
USM Alger is looking to stay near the top of the table, while CR Belouizdad, struggling with poor form, is desperate to end a series of disappointing results that have frustrated their fans. Belouizdad’s morale took a significant hit after their 2-3 loss to MC El Bayadh at home in the previous round, a defeat that led to the mutual termination of French coach Corentin Martins’ contract after just four games (three draws and one loss).
Historically, USM Alger holds the edge in derby encounters, with 36 wins compared to Belouizdad’s 27 victories, while 22 matches have ended in draws.
Other Key Matches in Round 5
- CS Constantine (4th with 6 points) will host Paradou AC (9th with 4 points), looking to build on their recent 3-2 win over JS Kabylie. Paradou is struggling with back-to-back heavy losses and will be eager to reverse their fortunes.
- JS Kabylie (4th with 6 points) faces a tough away fixture against MC Oran (9th with 4 points). Under new coach Eric Sekou Chel, MC Oran will aim to bounce back with a win, while JS Kabylie hopes to overcome their slow start to the season and climb the standings.
- In Sétif, ES Sétif (6th with 5 points) will welcome newly promoted MC Mostaganem (9th with 4 points). After starting the season with a win, ES Sétif has faltered, earning only two points from their last three games. They will seek a much-needed victory at home.
- US Biskra (6th with 5 points) will take on JS Saoura (9th with 4 points) in a competitive matchup. Biskra aims to capitalize on home advantage, while Saoura, buoyed by their first win of the season over ES Sétif (3-2), looks to maintain momentum.
Battle at the Bottom: MC El Bayadh vs. NC Magra
At the bottom of the table, MC El Bayadh and NC Magra—both tied with 3 points, alongside CR Belouizdad—will meet in a crucial encounter. With both teams desperately needing a win, this “six-point match” offers a valuable opportunity for one side to move out of the relegation zone.
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Author: nor-eleslam
Ligue 1 Mobilis, Algiers derby, USM Alger, CR Belouizdad, Olympique Akbou, MC Alger, JS Kabylie, football championship
