CS Constantine is emerging as a serious contender in the 2018/19 Total CAF Champions League, shedding their previous underdog status. The reigning Algerian champions demonstrated their growing strength on Saturday, securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Egyptian side Al Ismaily at the Bordj Al Arab Stadium in Alexandria during their third group stage match. The result allowed Constantine to join TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo at the top of the group standings, with both teams now on seven points.
The draw represents a significant achievement for Hocine Benayada and his teammates and provides coach Denis Lavagne with solid reasons to believe in the team’s ability to advance to the quarter-finals. Constantine will aim to seize the top spot in a rescheduled Matchday 4 clash against Al Ismaily, set to take place next Saturday at their home ground, the Chahid-Hamlaoui Stadium.
The season has not been without its challenges. CS Constantine endured a difficult start, plagued by internal issues and inconsistent results, which ultimately led to the arrival of French coach Denis Lavagne. Since taking charge, Lavagne has transformed the squad, instilling confidence and tactical discipline. Under his guidance, Constantine has delivered impressive results, including an away victory against Club Africain and a commanding win over TP Mazembe, positioning the team as a serious threat in the competition.
“We have a solid team, capable of qualifying for the next round. It’s not easy to come back in added time, which proves that the players have character and never give up,” Lavagne said after the match. The French coach also noted that the pitch conditions were challenging for both sides, limiting the quality of play. “The pitch was slippery and caused many problems for both teams. We couldn’t play proper football. In fact, on Al Ismaily’s goal, Zalani slipped, which allowed their player to score,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Lavagne is confident about the decisive return match. He emphasized the need for proper recovery and preparation to secure victory and confirm the team’s spot in the quarter-finals. With the team currently tied atop the group with TP Mazembe—and having a game in hand—Constantine can rotate their squad carefully, a crucial factor given the rising number of injuries among key players.
The result in Alexandria underscores CS Constantine’s evolution into a competitive force in African football. The team’s resilience, combined with Lavagne’s tactical adjustments, has enabled them to recover from earlier season struggles and now compete at the highest level. Hosting Al Ismaily next week offers a golden opportunity to strengthen their position in the group and take a decisive step toward the quarter-finals.
In conclusion, CS Constantine’s performance against Al Ismaily reflects a club in transformation. With the right preparation, a strong squad, and growing confidence under Denis Lavagne, the Algerian champions are poised to make a deep run in this season’s CAF Champions League. Their upcoming home clash will be crucial, and a victory could cement their status as serious contenders while allowing strategic squad management in the face of injuries. The Green and Black are no longer underdogs—they are now a team to watch in African football.
