RC Kouba-ES Ben Aknoun, chaud derby au sommet, le MB Rouissat en appel à Bordj Menaïel
The upcoming 24th round of the Ligue 2 amateur football championship, scheduled for Saturday at 15:00, promises intense clashes, particularly in the Centre-West and Centre-East groups. In the Centre-West, a highly anticipated matchup pits second-placed RC Kouba against leaders ES Ben Aknoun, while MB Rouissat aims to solidify its lead in the Centre-East division as they face JS Bordj Menaïel, who is fighting relegation.
### Centre-West Group Highlights
The top match in the Centre-West pits RC Kouba, positioned second with 43 points, against the unbeaten leaders ES Ben Aknoun, who stand at 51 points from 14 wins and 9 draws. This match carries significant implications for both teams. Kouba, inspired by their home crowd, seeks a victory that could shrink the gap to five points, reigniting their hopes for promotion. On the other hand, a draw would suffice for Ben Aknoun to maintain their seven-point lead as the season approaches its climax.
As far as the relegation battle is concerned, SC Mecheria, occupying the last position with just 12 points, faces ESM Koléa (9th, 30 points). Meanwhile, MCB Oued Sly (15th, 20 points) will encounter ASM Oran (5th, 32 points), and GC Mascara (14th, 23 points) takes on JS El Biar (3rd, 40 points). SKAF Khemis Miliana (13th, 26 points), three points clear of the relegation zone, will challenge WA Mostaganem (7th, 31 points). Lastly, CR Témouchent (11th, 29 points) welcomes RC Arbaâ (12th, 28 points) in another crucial tie.
Other matches in the Centre-West include JSM Tiaret (4th, 33 points) against MC Saida (7th, 31 points) and NA Hussein-Dey (5th, 32 points) facing US Béchar Djedid (9th, 30 points).
### Centre-East Group Insights
In the Centre-East group, league leaders MB Rouissat (54 points) will aim to secure three points against JS Bordj Menaïel (14th, 24 points), who grapple with relegation. This match, to be played behind closed doors, highlights a stark contrast: a title-chasing club versus a desperate fight for survival. The second-placed USM El Harrach (49 points) is hosting AS Khroub (6th, 33 points) with hopes of capitalizing on any missteps by Rouissat to remain within striking distance.
Additionally, USM Annaba (3rd, 40 points) will compete against CA Batna (7th, 32 points). IB Khemis El Khechna and US Chaouia, tied with 35 points each, will conduct away matches at MSP Batna (11th, 28 points) and US Souf (16th, 8 points), respectively.
In the relegation fight, Olympique Magrane (15th, 19 points) is in a must-win situation against HB Chelghoum Laid (13th, 27 points) to keep their survival hopes alive. Meanwhile, IRB Ouargla (11th, 28 points) is determined to defeat JSD Jijel (7th, 32 points) to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Lastly, the final match in the Centre-East pits MO Constantine against NRB Teleghma, both of whom are focused on securing their position in Ligue 2.
### Conclusion
As the Ligue 2 season progresses toward its conclusion, the matches this weekend will play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of both the promotion and relegation battles. With top teams like RC Kouba and MB Rouissat looking to extend their winning streaks and lower-ranked teams fighting for their futures, fans can expect thrilling football action. The results from this round of matches could have lasting effects as the teams vie for their positions in both groups – the race for promotion and the fight to avoid relegation are heating up.
