Algeria Ligue 1: Title hopefuls begin play, USMA and MCA derby ends level

After the 2025-26 league campaign got underway last weekend, the top contenders in Algeria’s Ligue 1 Professionnelle began competitive action with the Algiers Derby between USM Alger (USMA) and reigning champions MC Alger (MCA) headlining the second round of matches on Sunday with a 0-0 draw.

Both powerhouses from the capital, boasting new additions, lacked sharpness in the high pressure match and were forced to settle for a point.

CR Belouizdad and JS Kabylie were also among the teams beginning their campaigns. In the earlier match on Sunday, JSK could only manage a 1-1 draw at newly-promoted ES Ben Aknoun. Former Algeria national team playmaker Ryad Boudebouz opened the scoring for last season’s runners-up but the hosts equalized just before halftime.

Abdennour Belhocini, who impressed with the Algerian selection at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scored the only goal on his debut in CR Belouizdad’s 1-0 victory over Paradou AC.

Belhocini’s strike won’t win Goal of the Season but the former CS Constantine attacker and his new club will have no complaints as CRB got off on the right foot.

The league will resume with the third round next weekend.

Results: Round 2

Sunday

ES Ben Aknoun 1-1 JS Kabylie

USM Alger 0-0 MC Alger

Saturday

ASO Chlef 1-2 USM Khenchela

ES Mostaganem 2-0 CS Constantine

CR Belouizdad 1-0 Paradou AC

Friday

ES Sétif 1-1 JS Saoura

Olympique Akbou 1-0 MC Oran

MB Rouissat 1-0 MC El Bayadh

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