In a match that featured two teams with very different form, CS Constantine surprisingly ended a four-match winless streak on Thursday by defeating hosts CR Belouizdad 2-0 in Algiers.
It was a surprising result considering CRB's excellent form in domestic matches. The first half was an even duel with hosts CRB having the best opportunity in the 3rd minute when striker Aymen Mahious got on the end of a cross and forced a good save from CSS goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya.
A fierce rain storm arrived around halftime, perhaps to the benefit of the visitors who continued to perform well and were rewarded in the 80th minute. Following the clearance of their corner kick, a hopeful cross from CSC midfielder Laid Bellaouel was poorly dealt with by the CRB defense and Abdennour Belhocini pounced to finish past goalkeeper Moustapha Zeghba.
Belhocini confirmed joy for the large amount of traveling CSC supporters with his second goal six minutes later, receiving a pass from Mounder Temine before producing a clever finish past the onrushing Zeghba.
The morale boosting victory for CSC moves them up to 5th place, level on 23 points with CRB who remain four points back of league leaders MC Alger. CRB will next face MC Oran away from home on Monday while CSC have a break until next weekend when they return to action in the Coupe d'Algérie.
League Table (Top-6)
GP | Points | |
MC Alger | 14 | 27 |
JS Kabylie | 15 | 25 |
CR Belouizdad | 14 | 23 |
Paradou AC | 15 | 23 |
CS Constantine | 15 | 23 |
USM Alger | 13 | 21 |
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