Algerian Ligue 1: Late drama lifts USM Alger and MC Alger to vital wins in rescheduled fixtures

Two postponed Algerian Ligue 1 matches were finally completed on Monday, 8 December 2025, with USM Alger and MC Alger both securing narrow but meaningful victories that reshaped the early-season standings.

USM Alger emerged triumphant from a tense contest against JS Kabylie at the Hocine Aït-Ahmed Stadium.

The encounter opened at a breathless pace, with both sides showing defensive discipline in the face of repeated attacks.

The breakthrough arrived shortly before the interval when Khaldi struck in the 42nd minute, handing USMA a slender advantage at the break.

JS Kabylie responded with determination as the second half unfolded.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 61st minute, when Aimen Mahious produced the equaliser, briefly shifting momentum in favour of the hosts.

Yet USM Alger retained their composure and pushed back in the closing stages.

Their pressure paid off in the 78th minute as Glody Likonza delivered the decisive goal, sealing a 2–1 victory and a crucial away win.

The result lifts USM Alger to fourth place on 18 points, while JS Kabylie remain in ninth position with 15 points.

In Algiers, MC Alger were forced to rally from behind in another fiercely contested match, this time against CR Belouizdad.

The visitors made an early statement when Farid El Melali opened the scoring in the 18th minute, momentarily unsettling the league leaders.

MC Alger’s response was swift. Soufiane Bayazid restored parity just five minutes later, reigniting the home side and setting the tone for a gripping encounter.

Both sides maintained a high tempo throughout the second half, trading chances in a disciplined but physical duel.

As the match edged towards the final stages, MC Alger found the breakthrough they had been chasing.

In the 81st minute, Alhassane Bangoura fired home what proved to be the winning goal, completing a resilient turnaround.

CR Belouizdad pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but MCA held firm to preserve the 2–1 lead until the final whistle.

The win extends MC Alger’s advantage at the top of the table, where they now sit on 25 points.

CR Belouizdad, unable to capitalise on their early lead, remain in tenth place with 15 points.