All of the top contenders in Algerian domestic football continue to chase current leaders ES Sétif and each did their part to keep the pressure on with victories on Saturday. CR Belouizdad are now free from their obligations in the CAF Champions League to focus on attempting to defend their league title and Le Grand Chabab earned a 1-0 home win against Paradou courtesy of a first half goal from defender Sofiane Bouchar. Bouchar bounced a header into the Pardou goal from a corner kick in the 33rd minute to lift his team to an important victory.
MC Oran’s excellent recent form gave way to a setback with a loss last week against Relizane, but Mouloudia bounced back with a 2-1 home win over MC Alger, Hichem Nekkache’s late 84th minute winner making the difference. Benamar Benali’s 38th minute header was deflected into the MCA goal to open the scoring, leaving the Alger goalkeeper stranded. MCA appeared to have earned a point when Fethi Tahar received a cross with an exquisite first touch and sent his finish into the roof of the net in the 83rd minute, but the visitors hardly had time to celebrate as Nekkache received a cross and delivered a stellar bicycle kick finish for a more than worthy winning goal.
Saoura’s victory was much more straightforward with Ligue 1 top scorer Billel Messaoudi, who just scored in his debut appearance for the Algeria national team, delivering a goal to open the scoring in the 15th minute. Imadeddine Boubekeur and Belaid Hamidi followed suit with goals of their own and the hosts were up 3-0 by the time 51 minutes were gone. Skikda look like they are destined to drop back down to Ligue 2, currently sitting in last place with four losses in a row.
Highlights from all three matches are below.
CR Belouizdad 1-0 Paradou
MC Oran 2-1 MC Alger
JS Saoura 3-0 JSM Skikda
