Algeria Ligue 1: USM Alger continue downward spiral with home defeat

Liberian forward Edward Ledlum scored his first goal for ASO Chlef on Wednesday. Photo Credit: ASO Chlef Media

Since their surprise elimination at the hands of fellow Algerian club CS Constantine in the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals, the 2024-25 Algeria Ligue 1 Professionnelle season is turning into a disaster for USM Alger. USMA fell to their third consecutive defeat on Wednesday with a 1-2 defeat to ASO Chlef.

While the attack has been an issue all season for USMA, their normally reliable defense was exposed without the presence of captain Adem Alilet. It took less than two minutes for the hosts to fall behind when Yawo Agbagno's brilliant dribble run and cross set up Edward Ledlum for an easy finish, the Liberian's first goal in Algerian football.

The result could have been even worse for USMA, who got off to a disastrous start in the second half when Agbagno was tripped for a penalty kick. However, the Togolese forward's spot kick was well saved by USMA goalkeeper Kamel Soufi.

But Soufi eventually joined in on the incompetent team performance when he recklessly came off his line and was beaten to an aerial ball by Ayoub Sadahine, whose header bounced into an empty net. Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana converted a penalty kick in stoppage time but ASO held on for the victory.

USMA are in a free fall and their poor run has seen them drop to sixth on the Ligue 1 table, one point ahead of ASO and ten points adrift of the top three positions. Despite their awful form, USMA can still qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup next season through the Coupe d'Algérie where they will face CR Belouizdad in the final.