Algeria Ligue 1: Meziane fires CRB to fifth straight victory

Slowly but surely, CR Belouizdad are making their way back to the top of the table in Algeria’s Ligue 1 and on Friday, Le Grand Chabab did just enough to extend their league winning streak.

CRB winger Abderrahmane Meziane scored the only goal of the match as the hosts defeated Olympique Akbou by a 1-0 score at the Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers. In the 78th minute, a cross from the left wing was spilled by OA goalkeeper Benaouda Klileche right to Meziane who fired his shot into the goal from eight yards out.

CRB are now within five points of Ligue 1 leaders JS Kabylie who have played two more matches than CRB. Meziane and his teammates will now turn their focus to improving their fortunes in the CAF Champions League when CRB hosts reigning African club champions Al Ahly on January 3.

CS Constantine, league leaders a couple of weeks ago, appear to be suffering from the effects of competing in both domestic and continental competitions. CSC fell to a 2-0 defeat at JS Saoura and have not won in three league matches. January will see a prolonged and welcome break from domestic competition for CSC who will focus on qualifying for the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Finally, hosts US Biskra and ES Sétif played to a scoreless draw in the other match from Friday. ESS are in third place but have played more matches than nearly all Ligue 1 clubs leaving them vulnerable to a drop in the coming weeks.

Results

JS Saoura 2-0 CS Constantine

CR Belouizdad 1-0 Olympique Akbou

US Biskra 0-0 ES Sétif

League Table (Top-6)