Algeria Ligue 1: CR Belouizdad and USM Alger fail to gain ground in draw

After Algeria Ligue 1 Professionnelle leaders MC Alger dropped points in dramatic fashion on Saturday, CR Belouizdad and USM Alger missed an opportunity to gain ground after playing to a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

With MCA holding an eight-point lead heading into the fixture at the pristine Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, both teams were highly motivated to get a victory but canceled each other out.

The football in the first half did not match the fantastic atmosphere crated by the supporters but things heated up in the second half when Brahim Benzaza opened the scoring for USMA in the 65th minute. Ahmed Khaldi slickly took down an aerial pass on the right wing and quickly crossed low for Benzaza to finish with a first-time effort.

On the verge of dropping out of second place, CRB produced an inspired response and it was club top scorer Aymen Mahious who provided the answer. An excellent curling cross from left back Naoufel Khacef created danger in the USMA penalty area and Mahious was there to clean up the mess for his 14th goal this season after South African forward Khanyisa Mayo had the ball tackled away.

Earlier in the day, midtable sides NC Magra and MC El Bayadh played to a 0-0 draw as Sunday wrapped up the 20th matchday from Algeria’s top division. With ten matches to go, defending champions MCA appear to be the favorites to retain their crown while their closest competitors continue to battle amongst each other to pose a threat.

Results

Mostaganem 1-0 ES Setif

JS Kabylie 2-1 MC Oran

Paradou AC 2-0 CS Constantine

JS Saoura 2-0 US Biskra

ASO Chlef 0-0 Olympique Akbou

MC Alger 2-2 USM Khenchela

NC Magra 0-0 MC El Bayadh

CR Belouizdad 1-1 USM Alger

League Table (20 matches played)