Algeria Ligue 1: 10-man MC Alger find a late winner

MC Alger overcame a numerical disadvantage on Tuesday to down MC Oran 3-2 in a thrilling clash from Algeria’s Ligue 1 Professionnelle.

Substitutes Kipre Zunon and Yacine Hamadouche combined to give the reigning Algerian club champions three valuable points when it looked like the match would end in a draw. Excellent work from Ivorian winger Zunon allowed him to get a low cross to the near post for Hamadouche to arrive and score his first professional goal.

The earlier exchanges saw both teams going goal for goal. Mohamed Halaimia, the hero last match, provided a perfect low cross for Zakaria Naidji to open the scoring for hosts MCA in the 15th minute. However, Botswana international Gape Mohutsiwa equalized after the half hour mark when a corner kick fell kindly in the six-yard box.

Soufiane Bayazid (pictured) restored MCA’s advantage after disastrous play in the back from MCO but just before halftime, Larbi Tabti kicked out after being challenged and a red card left MCA a man down.

But the champions pushed through adversity to find the late winner and move into top spot. Tied with four other teams on seven points, MCA have a game in hand on most of the competition.

MC Alger turn their attention to continental ambitions

Next, MCA begin play in the qualifying stages of the CAF Champions League. Rulani Mokwena’s side will travel to Liberia to face FC Fassell in Monrovia for the first leg of their clash on Saturday.