l’ES Sétif au pied du podium, le NC Magra n’est plus relégable
Football: Highlights from the 23rd Matchday of Ligue 1 Mobilis
In a thrilling weekend of football on the 23rd matchday of the Ligue 1 Mobilis, ES Sétif overcame MC Oran 1-0 in a closely contested match at home, making significant strides towards the top of the league standings. This victory momentarily propelled Sétif to fourth place in the league with 34 points, just three points shy of third-place JS Kabylie. Notably, Sétif had a chance to secure their win late in the game when they were awarded a penalty. Captain Djahnit took on the responsibility, successfully converting it in the 85th minute, ensuring that Sétif capitalized on their dominance in the first half.
Meanwhile, NC Magra also made headlines by defeating JS Saoura 2-0 at home, marking their second consecutive win and allowing them to escape the relegation zone. Djabout opened the scoring for Magra with a penalty in the 69th minute, and Harrari sealed the win with a goal deep into stoppage time. This performance lifted Magra to 13th place, now with 27 points, two points clear of the relegation zone, showcasing a significant turnaround after a previous victory against USM Khenchela.
In stark contrast, MC Oran’s defeat has put them in a precarious position, leaving them stagnating at 13th place with 24 points, tied with NC Magra. Following their earlier victory against Paradou AC, Oran’s inability to maintain momentum is concerning as they remain just two points above the first relegation spot.
The match between USM Khenchela and Paradou AC ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Khenchela was in control until the dying moments, having come back from an early goal conceded to Ivorian scorer Dao within the first two minutes. Goals from Boumechra and Djaouchi had briefly put Khenchela ahead, but in a twist of fate, a last-gasp equalizer came from Paradou, courtesy of goalkeeper Ferrahi’s header off a corner. This result leaves USM Khenchela hovering dangerously close to relegation, sitting in 11th place with 25 points, while Paradou AC climbed to 6th place, reaching a total of 31 points.
As the 23rd matchday continued, attention shifted towards the title race, wherein leaders MC Alger were set to clash with USB Biskra, and CR Belouizdad closely pursued them with just a point difference. Both teams are in fierce competition for the top spot, showcasing the high stakes of the season’s conclusion. An interesting fixture was also lined up between USM Alger, ranked 5th, and JS Kabylie, currently holding the 3rd position, both aiming for a podium finish by the end of the season.
It’s also worth mentioning that the match between Olympique Akbou and CS Constantine was postponed due to Constantine’s involvement in the African Confederation Cup, where they have reached the semifinals.
Overall, this matchday has significant implications for both the title race and relegation battle. The teams are exhibiting fluctuating performances as the season progresses, making for an exciting finish. The results throw the spotlight on the importance of consistency as clubs fight to solidify their positions in the league hierarchy. With one more matchday on the horizon, all eyes remain glued to how teams will navigate the challenges ahead in this competitive season of Ligue 1 Mobilis football.
