MC Alger clinch third consecutive Algeria Ligue 1 title

For the third consecutive season, MC Alger are the kings of Algerian football after Tuesday’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Olympique Akbou secured their crown with three matches to spare.

Guinean striker Mohamed Bangoura converted from the penalty spot in second half stoppage time to confirm victory at the Stade Ali La Pointe in Algiers, giving MCA a triumphant finish against a difficult opponent.

Facing an Olympique Akbou team that has surpassed all expectations this season after earning promotion from Ligue 2, the visitors did not make it easy at all for the champions. Zakaria Naidji put MC Alger ahead in the 27th minute but OA responded early in the second half through Toufik Addadi to add some suspense to the occasion.

Bangoura’s late goal finishes off another league title for MC Alger

The possibility of MC Alger missing out on a title was very remote heading into the match, but Le Doyen were eager to quell any doubts and finish the job in front of their home supporters. In the 90th minute, a corner kick was flicked across the six-yard box and came off the hand of Olympique Akbou player Mohamed Chelfaoui. The referee awarded a penalty kick to spark celebrations from MCA players.

And Bangoura made no mistake after a few minutes of protests from OA players. The Guinean fired the spot kick into the top corner for his eighth league goal of the season and the supporters erupted in celebration for the remainder of stoppage time before the full time whistle sounded.

 

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It is the club’s tenth top flight league title and a positive end to the campaign. The next big event in Algerian football will be the Coupe d’Algérie final on May 2 when USM Alger and CR Belouizdad do battle, with qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup on the line.