Two matches on Friday in Algeria’s Ligue 1 Professionnelle saw three clubs in action who represented the country in the latter stages of CAF club competition. Reigning league champions CR Belouizdad ended a streak of five matches without a victory in all competitions with a 1-0 victory over rivals ES Sétif courtesy of a first half goal from Akram Bouras. JS Kabylie, who surprised many observers by reaching the CAF Champions League quarterfinals, earned an important 1-0 victory over CAF Confederation Cup semifinalists USM Alger to help their attempts at avoiding relegation.
CRB were decisively defeated by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals during a busy period for the club but Friday’s victory will help the morale in the team. Rising midfield talent Bouras got free in the penalty area to meet Mokthar Belkhiter’s cross with a strong finish in the 22nd minute for the only goal of the match against Sétif. CRB are now eight points clear of second placed CS Constantine with their efforts to repeat once again as Ligue 1 champions back in good condition. Sétif are in third place, five points behind Constantine.
JS Kabylie, as expected, were eliminated by reigning African club champions Wydad in their Champions League quarterfinal tie but needed a result with relegation an increasing possibility. Team leader Salim Boukhenchouche gave JSK supporters an important moment to celebrate at the 1 November Stadium in Tizi Ouzou when the midfielder headed in a free kick service from Sofiane Guenina in the 33th minute to give JSK a victory over USMA. JSK are still in the relegation zone but now are only one point behind Paradou AC with a match to make up. USMA are three points behind Sétif with two matches to make up as well after they face Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas in the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals.
Video of the goals and extended highlights from both matches are below.
Scores
CR Belouizdad 1-0 ES Sétif
JS Kabylie 1-0 USM Alger
Highlights
CR Belouizdad 1-0 ES Sétif: Akram Bouras goal
CR Belouizdad 1-0 ES Sétif: Highlights
JS Kabylie 1-0 USM Alger: Salim Boukhenchouche goal
JS Kabylie 1-0 USM Alger: Extended highlights
