Algeria Ligue 1: USM Alger and CRB held to draws at home

Top clubs USM Alger and CR Belouizdad were held to a point each as the Algeria Ligue 1 finished up its sixth matchday on Monday.

With MC Alger and JS Kabylie occupied by their CAF Champions League duties, CRB and USMA failed to boost their cause. On Monday, Diaa Benyahia’s equalizer deep into second half stoppage time saw MC El Bayadh steal a point off USMA in a 1-1 draw.

It appeared that Rayane Mahrouz had given USMA the lead when he struck in the fourth minute of time added on but the hosts let their guard slip and paid the price.

On Sunday, CRB had to scramble to save a point at home against a difficult CS Constantine side. Mohamed Benchaira gave CSC the lead before the hour mark but Youcef Laoufi leveled the match from the spot, CRB’s second penalty of the match after defensive leader Houcine Benayada converted his spot kick at the end of the first half.

Three clubs are currently tied at the top of the table with eleven points each from six matches: Olympique Akbou, JS Saoura and newly-promoted MB Rouisset. All three clubs were held to 1-1 draws over the weekend with top spot clearly available to MC Alger when the reigning champions return to league play. MCA have only played three league matches so far, collecting seven points.

The league will continue on next weekend with MC Alger and JS Kabylie back in action after advancing in the CAF Champions League this past weekend.

Algeria Ligue 1 Results

ES Ben Aknoun 1-1 JS Saoura

ASO Chlef 1-1 MB Rouisset

MC Oran 3-1 Paradou AC

Olympique Akbou 1-1 USM Khenchela

CR Belouizdad 2-2 CS Constantine

USM Alger 1-1 MC El Bayadh

ES Mostaganem 1-0 ES Setif