Algeria Ligue 1: USM Alger fall, CR Belouizdad bounce back at home

Algeria’s Ligue 1 Professionnelle remains close at the top of the table after last season’s runners-up CR Belouizdad secured a 2-0 home victory over US Biskra. However, third placed USM Alger suffered defeat away from home to fall three points behind CRB.

USMA fell behind by two goals away at MC El Bayadh. M’hend Sediri opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half before experienced forward Mohamed Toumi doubled the lead early in the second half.

The lone bright spot for USMA was former Kaizer Chiefs striker and Burundi international Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana coming off the bench to score on his debut following a long struggle in his club career. The 27-year-old had previously only made one appearance with Iranian club Zob Ahan since his final appearance for Kaizer Chiefs in May 2023.

On Wednesday, CR Belouizdad moved to within two points of leaders MC Alger with a 2-0 victory over US Biskra at home. Three points did not come easily for CRB who had to overcome a red card to midfielder Jacques Mbe close to the hour mark. However, Aymen Mahious and Mohamed Belkhir scored in the final thirty minutes despite the circumstances.

Moving back to Thursday, the later match saw JS Saoura defeat Olympique Akbou by a 2-1 score. EArlier in the week, relegation candidates Mostaganem defeated USM Khenchela 2-0 while ASO Chlef defeat MC Oran by a 1-0 result. Round 18 concludes on Friday with two interesting duels: JS Kabylie host Paradou AC before leaders MC Alger host CS Constantine.

Round 18 Results

ASO Chlef 1-0 MC Oran

Mostaganem 2-0 USM Khenchela

NC Magra 0-0 ES Setif

CR Belouizdad 2-0 US Biskra

MC El Bayadh 2-1 USM Alger

JS Saoura 2-0 Olympique Akbou

Remaining Round 18 Fixtures

JS Kabylie vs Paradou AC

MC Alger vs CS Constantine

League Table (Top-5)