CS Constantine edged out USM Alger 1-0 in a tightly contested match on Matchday 10 of the Ligue 1 Mobilis at the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine. Defender Boudrama secured the crucial win with a header off a perfectly delivered free-kick by captain Brahim Dib in the 34th minute.
The game unfolded in two distinct phases.
Constantine dominated the first half, with Benchaira and his teammates orchestrating several chances.
Zakaria Benchaa missed a clear opportunity to double the lead when he failed to convert a one-on-one against Benbot.
The second half shifted momentum to USM Alger, who made multiple attacking substitutions, including the introduction of Nigerian forward Alli Musa.
Despite the added energy, the visitors lacked finishing precision.
Gassama struggled to make an impact, leaving the Soustara supporters disappointed at full-time.
This victory propelled CS Constantine to the top of the league with 18 points, handing USM Alger their first defeat of the season.
The win also serves as a morale booster ahead of Constantine’s upcoming CAF Confederation Cup clash against Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.
USM Alger, missing key players like Chetti, Mondeko, and Guenaoui, will now turn their focus to preparing for their African fixture against Botswana’s Orapa United FC, set to take place at the July 5 Stadium next Wednesday.
