Algeria Ligue 1: MC Alger wakes up against ES Sétif to take control in title race

Guinean striker Mohamed Bangoura scored twice for MC Alger on Monday. Photo: Mouloudia Club d'Alger

After failing to win in three of their last four league matches, the attack of MC Alger finally re-discovered their form on Monday in a crucial 4-1 Ligue 1 Professionnelle victory over ES Sétif.

20-year-old Guinean striker Mohamed Bangoura continues to be a big success in his early days since joining MCA from Hafia FC in the last transfer window. Bangoura scored twice to bring his total to five goals in ten matches across all competitions.

Bangoura's lifted finish put hosts MCA ahead in the 20th minute but ESS posed a challenge, equalizing through Salah Bouchama early in the second half. However, a splendid long range strike from veteran midfielder Mohamed Benkhemassa put the Algiers giants back on top. Bangoura completed his brace soon after and Akram Bouras added one more goal.

MCA were not punished for their poor form as the other title contenders failed to capitalize on the opportunity. They are now three points clear of JS Kabylie and four points ahead of CR Belouizdad, who played to a 1-1 draw at ASO Chlef in the other match from Monday.

Abderrahmane Meziane gave visitors CRB an early lead but The Reds failed to hold onto their lead. An early second half equalizer from hosts ASO Chlef extended CRB's winless streak to three matches, dealing another blow to their title hopes.

With the exception of CS Constantine, all clubs in the Ligue 1 have five matches or less remaining as the league continues its final stretch. Play resumes on Thursday with Constantine in action at home against MC Oran.

Results

Olympique Akbou 2-1 USM Khenchela

MC Oran 2-1 NC Magra

JS Kabylie 1-2 JS Saoura

Paradou AC 3-1 USM Alger

ES Mostaganem 0-0 MC El Bayadh

CS Constantine 3-0 US Biskra

MC Alger 4-1 ES Setif

ASO Chlef 1-1 CR Belouizdad

League Table

	GP	Points
MC Alger	25	49
JS Kabylie	26	46
CR Belouizdad	26	45
Paradou AC	26	38
ES Setif	26	38
USM Alger	25	36
MC El Bayadh	26	35
JS Saoura	26	35
ASO Chlef	26	33
CS Constantine	23	32
MC Oran	25	30
Olympique Akbou	25	28
USM Khenchela	25	28
ES Mostaganem	26	27
NC Magra	26	27
US Biskra	26	20

• The league champions and the runners-up qualify for the 2025-26 CAF Champions League.

• The third place finishers and the Algerian Cup champions qualify for the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup.