Algeria: MC Oran claims fourth place with win in top-5 battle

Abderrahmane Bourdim’s first half goal was the difference on Friday as MC Oran leaped into fourth place on the Ligue 1 Mobilis table with a 1-0 victory at CS Constantine.

 

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The experienced midfielder’s brilliant free kick provided a crucial victory for the visitors in a match that saw both teams reduced to ten players due to red cards.

CS Constantine applied plenty of pressure to the MCO defense but after conceding in the 20th minute, Messala Merbah received a second yellow card close to halftime. Oussama Kaddour was expelled close to the hour mark but despite the defender’s red card, the visitors were able to hold on for three crucial points.

Not only was MCO able to move into fourth place with the result, but a draw in the other match from the day allowed them to gain ground on second place. MB Rouissat held Olympique Akbou to a 1-1 draw earlier on Friday.

The two teams promoted to the top flight this season shared the points, but the result was more damaging for the season’s surprise package. OA move into second place for now, twelve points behind dominant leaders MC Alger, but are now vulnerable to to the teams closing in on them including MC Oran.

The league will take a day off for Saturday before finishing the 25th round with six matches. MC Alger will travel to face JS Saoura, who are tied on points with Olympique Akbou.

The table after MC Oran’s victory