Algeria Ligue 1: CR Belouizdad shrug off manager concerns in victory at Paradou

With controversy swirling around CR Belouizdad after head coach Abdelkader Amrani’s sudden departure, the Algiers club showed no ill effects in Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Paradou AC. CRB are now firmly within range of first place following the result.

Facing a Paradou team that is also enjoying strong form in domestic competition, visitors CRB engaged in a fierce battle but a moment of immense quality gave them the lead in first half stoppage time. Naoufel Khacef unleashed a cannon of a shot from over thirty yards that overpowered PAC goalkeeper Mokhtar Ferrahi.

Paradou increased their attacking efforts after halftime, nearly leveling the match in the 56th minute when a shot rattled the post of the CRB goal and went wide. However, late on it was South African forward Khanyisa Mayo who doubled the lead for the visitors with a splendid finish from Abdelraouf Benguit’s cross shortly before PAC found a late consolation.

CRB are out of the CAF Champions League after poor performances in the group stage but their domestic form continues to be excellent with a seven-match unbeaten run. It is the opposite story for CS Constantine who slumped to a 0-1 home defeat to El Bayadh in the other match played on Saturday.

CSC qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals but have not won a Ligue 1 match since late November. The Dean have dropped from the top of the table to 8th place during this period.

League Table (Top-5)