Algeria Ligue 1: MC Alger with another narrow victory; JSK stumble

Reigning Algerian club champions MC Alger are set to take a substantial lead at the top of the Algeria Ligue 1 Professionnelle table while title rivals JS Kabylie (JSK) fell to defeat on Sunday.

Larbi Tabti’s 75th minute strike secured a third consecutive victory for Rulani Mokwena’s men, all by a score of 1-0. Last place MCEB did well to hold out against their more illustrious visitors but Tabti’s first goal of the 2025-26 season was all Le Doyen needed.

MCA move back into first place with 22 points from 8 matches, two points ahead of MC Oran who have played three more matches. Once the reigning champions catch up to the rest of the competition in matches played, it appears likely that they will have plenty of breathing room at the top.

The team that appears most likely to compete with MCA, JS Kabylie, suffered a setback in Constantine with a 0-1 defeat to hosts CS Constantine.

Nassim L’Ghoul did just enough to steer in the match winner for CSC, who overcame visitors JSK despite a first half red card. JSK are now seven points back of MCA in sixth place, now level on points with CSC.

Elsewhere, Paradou AC now have three consecutive victories after a 2-1 win at JS Saoura. PAC lost seven straight matches after beginning the season with a draw but are now on the verge of climbing out of the relegation zone.

Action will resume next weekend with MCA in action away at newly-promoted MB Rouissat. CR Belouizdad and USM Alger will be at home while MC Oran and JSK travel away for their next league fixtures.