With controversy swirling around CR Belouizdad after head coach Abdelkader Amrani's sudden departure, the Algiers club showed no ill effects in Saturday's 2-1 victory at Paradou AC. CRB are now firmly within range of first place following the result.
Facing a Paradou team that is also enjoying strong form in domestic competition, visitors CRB engaged in a fierce battle but a moment of immense quality gave them the lead in first half stoppage time. Naoufel Khacef unleashed a cannon of a shot from over thirty yards that overpowered PAC goalkeeper Mokhtar Ferrahi.
Paradou increased their attacking efforts after halftime, nearly leveling the match in the 56th minute when a shot rattled the post of the CRB goal and went wide. However, late on it was South African forward Khanyisa Mayo who doubled the lead for the visitors with a splendid finish from Abdelraouf Benguit's cross shortly before PAC found a late consolation.
CRB are out of the CAF Champions League after poor performances in the group stage but their domestic form continues to be excellent with a seven-match unbeaten run. It is the opposite story for CS Constantine who slumped to a 0-1 home defeat to El Bayadh in the other match played on Saturday.
CSC qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals but have not won a Ligue 1 match since late November. The Dean have dropped from the top of the table to 8th place during this period.
League Table (Top-5)
GP | Points | |
JS Kabylie | 15 | 25 |
MC Alger | 13 | 24 |
CR Belouizdad | 13 | 23 |
Paradou AC | 14 | 22 |
ES Sétif | 15 | 2 |
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