Pyrotechnics and passionate supporters arrived in large numbers to the Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers for the first Ligue 1 duel of the season between rivals MC Alger and USM Alger in Algeria's oldest football derby. MCA supporters left extremely satisfied after The Dean secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory over USMA to move within reach of seizing first place on the table.
A tactical battle ensued after kick off with both teams playing cautiously to avoid costly mistakes. It was little surprise when the two best defenses in Algeria's Ligue 1 went into halftime without a goal scored.
However, MCA tactician Khaled Ben Yahia and his team came out inspired in the second half to make an instant impact. In the 49th minute, rising talent Amine Messoussa opened the scoring when he received a cross from Zakaria Naidji and finished from a rebound after USMA goalkeeper Oussama Benbout blocked Messoussa's first attempt.
Messousa's goal inspired USMA's collapse. Eight minutes later, Ivorian midfielder Kipre Zunon doubled the lead with a simple finish following a precision counter attack that led to an excellent cross by Naidji.
Soufiane Bayazid confirmed the decisive victory deep into second half stoppage time in a dream result for MCA. The Mouloudia Club are now only one point back of league leaders JS Kabylie and have played two less matches, creating an opportunity to move top over the next week. USMA are four points back of their rivals in 6th position.
Full Match Highlights
League Table (Top-6)
GP | Points | |
JS Kabylie | 15 | 25 |
MC Alger | 13 | 24 |
Paradou AC | 13 | 22 |
ES Setif | 15 | 21 |
CR Belouizdad | 12 | 20 |
USM Alger | 12 | 20 |
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