Ligue 1 Mobilis: USMA’s weak attack results in more dropped points

USM Alger (USMA) created the majority of opportunities on Sunday but the reigning Algerian Cup champions could not find a way past second place CS Constantine in a 0-0 draw from the Ligue 1 Mobilis.

Utilizing a rotated squad ahead of next Sunday’s first leg clash against Congolese club AS Maniema Union in the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals, Les Usmistes continued their struggles in league play this season.

An increase in urgency came after the introduction of top creative force Houssam Ghacha at halftime as well as Ivorian striker Dramane Kamagaté but the lack of efficiency remained the same. Kamagaté has failed to score in eight appearances since joining for a transfer of €400,000 on the strength of his performances with FC San Pédro in the Confederation Cup.

USMA are now fourteen points back of league leaders MC Alger, who benefited the most from Sunday’s scoreless draw. If things don’t improve quickly in the league then the current season will be similar to last season, when the cup served as the only solace for ambitions of participating in CAF competition.

In the earlier match on Sunday, Olympique Akbou edged JS Saoura to continue their strong campaign. OA replace JSS in third place and have now won four straight matches.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Olympique Akbou (@olympique.akbou.1936)

In the late match on Saturday, CR Belouizdad stretched their unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions with an impressive 3-1 victory over top flight upstarts MB Rouissat. Salim Boukhenchouche’s 8th minute goal and a penalty kick from Abdelraouf Benguit put the hosts 2-0 ahead before a half hour was gone.

CRB notably defeated league leaders MC Alger in the Algerian Cup earlier this week in a dramatic 3-2 result after extra time. If their form continues in the league, they will be expected to move up to second or third place after making up games in hand on the remainder of the competition.

But fixture congestion will be a factor. CRB will face Egyptian club Al Masry in the Confederation Cup quarterfinal beginning on March 14.

Earlier on Saturday, reigning champions MC Alger bounced back from their cup defeat to CRB with a 5-0 thrashing of relegation candidates ES Mostaganem. ES Ben Aknoun, JS Kabylie, MC Oran and ASO Chlef were the winners from Saturday and Friday’s matches.

Where are USMA and CRB on the table?