USM Alger strengthened their hold on third place in Algeria's Ligue 1 on Tuesday following a 2-0 victory over NC Magra.
Brazilian tactician Marcos Paquetá announced his return to Algerian football with a victory after signing on as USM Alger head coach. Close to the end of the first half, former TP Mazembe midfielder Glody Likonza opened the scoring with a header from close range.
A dazzling dribbling run and finish from French-Algerian attacker Mehdi Merghem clinched victory for USMA close to the hour mark. USMA, quarterfinalists in the upcoming knockout stages of the CAF Confederation Cup, are now two points back of Algiers rivals and league leaders MC Alger and level with CR Belouizdad on 29 points. They will next participate in the Algerian Cup against Ligue 2 side RC Kouba on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, JS Saoura won 3-1 away at USM Khenchela while CS Constantine were held to a 2-2 draw at home by ASO Chlef. CSC got off to a strong start and held the lead at halftime but ASO's Togolese contingent earned the visitors a point with Yawo Agbagno scoring in the first half and former ASKO Kara player Kokou Avotor leveling in second half stoppage time.
League Table (Top-8)
GP | Points | |
MC Alger | 16 | 31 |
CR Belouizdad | 16 | 29 |
USM Alger | 17 | 29 |
JS Kabylie | 16 | 25 |
CS Constantine | 17 | 25 |
ASO Chlef | 17 | 24 |
Paradou AC | 16 | 23 |
JS Saoura | 17 | 22 |
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