Algeria Ligue 1: All square between JSK and MCA

Algeria Ligue 1 Professionnelle leaders MC Alger (MCA) conceded a late penalty kick to settle for a 1-1 draw at JS Kabylie (JSK) on Friday.

Rulani Mokwena’s side maintained their strong hold on first place but will be disappointed that they were unable to hold on for a victory. Substitute Alhassane Bangoura put the visitors ahead in Tizi Ouzou with a brilliant placed header, his first goal since joining from Guinean club Milo FC in August.

However, in the midst of celebrations by the MCA team, the goal scorer’s teammate and countryman Mohamed Bangoura received a second yellow card and was sent off shortly after the goal.

The circumstances worked in favor of hosts JSK, who enjoyed a numerical advantage for the final thirty minutes. When a JSK attacker was dragged down while trying to get on the end of a cross, a VAR review confirmed a penalty kick and experienced defender Mohamed Madani sent goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz the wrong way to level the score.

MC Alger remain nine points clear of closest rivals USM Alger on the table. Once “The Dean” makes up their games in hand, it is likely that they will have a double digit lead as the midway point of the season arrives.

JS Kabylie, who spent plenty of money on transfers to prepare for their ongoing CAF Champions League campaign, remain stuck in the middle of the league table. They are in 10th place, thirteen points back of the leaders.