Algerian Ligue 1: CS Constantine, CR Belouizdad, and USM Alger pursue first wins of the season
Three of Algeria’s top football clubs—CS Constantine, CR Belouizdad, and USM Alger—will be eager to secure their first wins of the 2024-2025 Ligue 1 season as they prepare for their rescheduled opening fixtures on Wednesday, September 2.
CS Constantine will host newly-promoted ES Mostaganem at 17:00 UTC, with the home side determined to kickstart their campaign after a disappointing goalless draw against ASO Chlef in their previous outing.
For the “Doyen,” getting three points on the board is critical to building early momentum and avoiding any early-season pressure.
However, their opponents, ES Mostaganem, will pose a threat, having marked their return to the top tier with an impressive 2-1 victory over MC Oran.
Constantine’s challenge will be to counter the enthusiasm and energy of the newcomers, who are clearly intent on making their presence felt in the elite league.
Meanwhile, CR Belouizdad, another giant of Algerian football, will face a tough test away to USM Khenchela, also at 17:00 UTC. Chabab, as they are known, are looking to bounce back from a less-than-ideal start to the season and are hungry for their first victory after a shaky beginning.
The team will also be looking to avenge a painful 2-1 loss to Khenchela in their previous meeting last May.
As both sides enter the contest with similar ambitions for a strong start, the encounter is expected to be fiercely contested.
For Belouizdad, securing a win on the road would be a statement of intent as they aim to establish themselves as early contenders for the league title.
Later in the evening, USM Alger will play under the lights at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, as they take on US Biskra in an 8:00 PM UTC kickoff.
Coming off a frustrating 0-0 draw with NC Magra on the second day of the league, the reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions will be eager to get their season back on track.
USM Alger’s home advantage and attacking pedigree position them as favorites going into the clash, but Biskra have already shown their ability to surprise stronger opponents.
In their first match of the season, they stunned El Bayadh on the road, winning 1-0 to claim all three points.
With this in mind, USM Alger will need to be wary of Biskra’s potential to cause an upset.
As all three teams enter the midweek fixtures seeking their first wins of the campaign, the pressure is on to deliver results and establish their credentials early in the season.
For fans and observers alike, Wednesday’s matches will provide key insights into the teams’ prospects for the rest of the competition.
