A full slate of games involved all but two teams in Algeria’s Ligue 1 Professionnelle on Friday with one match standing out as a thriller for the ages in Tizi Ouzou. Home side JS Kabylie were up 2-1 heading into second half stoppage time with three points apparently secured after an 82nd minute penalty kick from Dadi Mouaki but ES Sétif scored twice in added on time for a shock 3-2 victory. Ghiles Guenaoui’s long range blast from thirty yards out to equalize would have been enough for the joyful ESS supporters but Larbi Tabti provided a finish in the final seconds to complete the victory for Hossam El Badry’s side, who snap a three match winless run with the victory while JSK’s struggles continue.
There was no such drama for CR Belouizdad supporters whose team continued to be reliable with yet another victory. The reigning champions defeated NC Magra 3-1 through goals from Houssem Mrezigue, Nigerian forward Anayo Iwuala and Aimen Bougerra to maintain their perfect record through five matches. CRB look to be in great shape and are dealing with increased fixture congestion well after securing a spot in the 2022-23 CAF Champions League group stage last weekend.
CRB only trail current league leaders CS Constantine, who are two points ahead of Le Chabab with three more matches played after a 2-1 home victory over US Biskra. Benin national team forward Marcellin Koukpo’s third goal of the season opened the account for CSS, who took the lead for good when Abdelhak Abdelhafid provided the winner early in the second half after Biskra cancelled out Koukpo’s opener.
Outside of CRB it was not a great day for clubs based in the capital of Algiers. MC Alger’s revival under new manager Faouzi Benzarti came to a halt with a 2-0 defeat to USM Khenchela, who were boosted by an early goal from former Enyimba forward Tosin Omoyele. USM Alger were held to a 1-1 draw at home by struggling JS Saoura and Paradou AC could only manage a scoreless draw at MC El Bayadh.
Scores are below followed by highlights from Sétif’s dramatic comeback as well as the victories for CRB and CSS as well as USM Alger’s draw.
Scores
MC El Bayadh 0-0 Paradou AC
ASO Chlef 1-1 RC Arbaâ
USM Alger 1-1 JS Saoura
USM Khenchela 2-0 MC Alger
CS Constantine 2-1 US Biskra
CR Belouizdad 3-1 NC Magra
JS Kabylie 2-3 ES Sétif
Highlights
JS Kabylie 2-3 ES Sétif
CR Belouizdad 3-1 NC Magra
CS Constantine 2-1 US Biskra
USM Alger 1-1 JS Saoura
