Algerian Ligue 1: Mehdi Boudjemaa’s late strike secures vital win for JS Kabylie over USM Khenchela

JS Kabylie edged past USM Khenchela 1-0 on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, in a tightly contested Algerian Ligue 1 encounter, with Mehdi Boudjemaa scoring the decisive goal in the closing minutes to hand the home side all three points.

The match, played as part of the eighth round of fixtures, began at an intense pace with both teams showing determination and discipline from the outset.

JS Kabylie and USM Khenchela each sought to assert early control, relying on rapid ball circulation and physical duels across the midfield.

Despite the tempo, neither side managed to break through well-organised defensive lines during the opening period.

The first half reflected tactical caution from both benches.

Kabylie’s attempts to stretch the play down the flanks were met with solid defensive responses, while Khenchela’s counterattacks lacked the final precision to trouble the hosts’ goalkeeper.

As a result, the score remained goalless at the break, a fair outcome to a balanced and tightly managed half of football.

The second period continued in a similar rhythm, with both sides maintaining defensive discipline and looking to exploit transitions.

JS Kabylie gradually increased their pressure, encouraged by their home supporters, and began to push Khenchela deeper into their half.

Their persistence paid off in the dying stages of the game.

In the 87th minute, Mehdi Boudjemaa produced the breakthrough moment.

After a well-worked team move, the midfielder found space inside the area and calmly slotted the ball past the Khenchela goalkeeper, sending the stands into celebration.

The late strike proved to be the match-winner, as JS Kabylie held firm under pressure during the final moments to secure a hard-earned victory.

USM Khenchela fought valiantly in search of an equaliser, pushing numbers forward in stoppage time, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by a disciplined Kabylie defence that managed the final minutes with composure.

The result lifts JS Kabylie from 10th to 7th place in the league standings with 11 points, having played two games fewer than several teams above them.

For USM Khenchela, the narrow defeat sees them drop one spot to fifth, also on 11 points, as they continue to chase consistency in a competitive start to the season.

It was a match defined by patience, resilience, and a single moment of inspiration — and for JS Kabylie, it marked an important step forward as they look to climb higher in the Ligue 1 table.