JS Saoura seal Champions League qualification as Algerian season reaches dramatic conclusion

JS Saoura secured a place in next season’s CAF Champions League after defeating CS Constantine 3-1 on the final day of the Ligue 1 Mobilis campaign, while CR Belouizdad were forced to settle for qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup.

The closing round of fixtures delivered the final verdicts in Algeria’s top flight, particularly in the battle for continental qualification, where several clubs entered the final day with their African ambitions still undecided.

By the end of the evening, JS Saoura emerged as the biggest winners in the race for second place.

A commanding home victory over CS Constantine ensured the club finished the season as runners-up with 55 points, securing one of Algeria’s coveted places in the CAF Champions League.

The result capped an impressive campaign for JS Saoura and rewarded a performance that carried enormous significance.

Knowing that victory would strengthen their chances of reaching Africa’s premier club competition, the hosts produced when it mattered most.

The star of the match was Saadi, whose remarkable hat-trick proved decisive in a contest that ultimately determined the destination of one of the league’s most important positions.

His three goals inspired JS Saoura to a 3-1 victory and ensured the club would end the season ahead of their nearest challengers.

The triumph sparked celebrations among players and supporters alike, as qualification for the CAF Champions League represented the successful conclusion of a campaign built on consistency and determination.

While JS Saoura enjoyed a memorable evening, the outcome proved frustrating for CR Belouizdad.

The club entered the final day knowing that their hopes of securing second place depended not only on their own result but also on a slip-up from JS Saoura.

CR Belouizdad first needed to defeat JS Kabylie and then hope that CS Constantine could deny JS Saoura victory.

Neither scenario materialised.

Instead, CR Belouizdad were held to a goalless draw by JS Kabylie in a match that failed to provide the breakthrough they desperately required.

Despite their efforts, they were unable to find a winning goal, and the final whistle confirmed that their ambitions of reaching the CAF Champions League had fallen short.

The draw left CR Belouizdad in third place with 53 points, two behind JS Saoura.

Although disappointment accompanied the missed opportunity, the season still ended with continental qualification.

Third place secured a berth in the CAF Confederation Cup, ensuring CR Belouizdad will continue to represent Algeria on the African stage next season.

They will be joined in that competition by USM Alger, who had already booked their place through victory in the Algerian Cup.

The final standings therefore completed Algeria’s list of continental representatives for the upcoming campaign.

At the top of the table, meanwhile, there was little suspense regarding the identity of the champions.

MC Alger had already secured the league title before the final round, allowing the club to approach the last match of the season with the championship already guaranteed.

Nevertheless, the champions ensured they ended the campaign on a positive note.

MC Alger defeated ASO Chlef 2-0 to conclude another successful season in convincing fashion.

The victory increased their final tally to 65 points and provided a fitting ending to a campaign that delivered the club’s 10th national championship.

Already assured of the title, MC Alger used the final fixture to reinforce their status as the dominant force in the league this season.

Their consistency over the course of the campaign ultimately separated them from the chasing pack and allowed them to celebrate another historic achievement.

Yet while the championship race had already been decided, attention on the final day largely focused on the battle for African qualification.

The competition for continental places remained unresolved until the final whistle, adding significance to every goal and every result across the league.

For JS Saoura, the evening delivered the reward they had been pursuing throughout the season.

Their victory over CS Constantine not only secured three points but also guaranteed participation in the CAF Champions League, one of the most prestigious competitions in African club football.

For CR Belouizdad, the outcome was more bittersweet.

A place in the CAF Confederation Cup ensures continental football remains part of their future, but the inability to secure second place will leave a sense of what might have been.

As the curtain falls on the 2025-26 Ligue 1 Mobilis season, the final standings have now determined Algeria’s representatives in African competitions.

MC Alger finish as champions, JS Saoura celebrate qualification for the CAF Champions League, and CR Belouizdad and USM Alger prepare for the CAF Confederation Cup.

After months of competition, the final day delivered the answers clubs and supporters had been waiting for, bringing the season to a dramatic and decisive conclusion.