Ligue 1 Mobilis: Algiers giants humbled in 20th round

Algeria’s traditional powerhouses all failed to win in the 20th round from the nation’s top flight Ligue 1 Mobilis including leaders and defending champions MC Alger. Rivals USM Alger finished off the round with a defeat of their own at home, losing 1-2 to JS Saoura.

USMA were left embarrassed by an opponent who took their chances excellently and it was Oussama Bentaleb who was the hero for the visitors. In the 8th minute, Bentaleb embarked on a devastating run down the right flank and produced a clever finish from a difficult angle past USMA goalkeeper Oussama Benbot.

The promising forward then escaped the defense in the 38th minute and finished past Benbot again for his third goal in two matches. Houssem Ghacha converted from the penalty spot on the hour mark for the hosts but they could not find a leveler.

MC Oran lived up to their reputation as a hostile place to get a result by knocking off reigning champions MC Alger with a dramatic 2-1 victory on Friday.

In second half stoppage time with the match level at 1-1, a MCO corner kick was allowed to fall in the MC Alger penalty area. MCA captain Ayoub Abdellaoui attempted to clear but he scuffed his attempt to kick the ball and could not prevent it from crossing the line for a late own goal.

It is only the second league defeat of the season for MCA, who crashed out of the CAF Champions League with a 0-2 defeat at South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns last Saturday.

They do remain in a strong position at the top of the table, with a one-point over CS Constantine but with four less matches played. CSC maintained their excellent form on Friday with a 2-0 victory at ASO Chlef.

 

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And the final Algiers giant to struggle was CR Belouizdad, who could only manage a 0-0 draw at home against lowly MC El Bayadh who sit in last place.

Action will resume next Friday through Sunday for the 21st round.

Ligue 1 Mobilis Table