sprint final pour l’accession à l’Est, l’ES Ben Aknoun pour accentuer son avance à l’Ouest
Match Preview: 26th Round of Algerian Ligue 2 Football Championship
The 26th round of the Algerian Ligue 2 amateur football championship is scheduled to commence on Thursday at 15:00. This round promises to be particularly exciting, especially in the race for promotion, where co-leaders of the Centre-East group, USM El Harrach and MB Rouissat, will face off against NRB Teleghma and CA Batna, respectively. Meanwhile, ES Ben Aknoun, the dominant leader of the Centre-West group, is set to strengthen its lead by playing against MC Saida.
Top Contenders in Centre-East Group
USM El Harrach, who recently leveled with MB Rouissat after a 2-0 victory against US Chaouia, currently shares the top spot with 55 points. They will host NRB Teleghma, sitting at 12th place with 31 points and fighting to avoid relegation. On the other hand, MB Rouissat aims to bounce back after a 1-1 draw with NRBT, as they welcome CA Batna, currently in 7th place with 35 points. Both USM El Harrach and MB Rouissat are vying for the sole promotion spot available to Ligue 1, with the outcome of their delayed match yet to be decided by the national amateur football league.
In the chase for promotion, USM Annaba, 3rd in the standings with 40 points, is set to face Olympique Magrane, the 15th placed team with 19 points, who is nearly relegated.
Struggle for Survival
At the bottom of the table, IRB Ouargla, the first team in the relegation zone with 28 points, has a crucial opportunity to score points as they host US Souf, already confirmed for relegation to the lower league. Meanwhile, JS Bordj Menaïel, 13th with 30 points, will face IB Khemis El Khechna (7th, 35 points) in a closed-door match, hoping to build on their recent success.
Both HB Chelghoum Laid and MO Constantine, each with 33 points, are under threat of relegation and will host higher-ranked teams, US Chaouia and JSD Jijel (4th, 38 points), respectively. The last match of the round will see MSP Batna (9th, 34 points) compete against AS Khroub (6th, 36 points).
Centre-West Group Showdown
In the Centre-West group, leaders ES Ben Aknoun (54 points) are in a strong position to push further ahead as they host MC Saida (9th, 32 points) on Saturday at 15:00. Their closest rival, RC Kouba (47 points), will also seek victory against JS El-Biar (3rd, 43 points) to keep their slim hopes alive after settling for a scoreless draw against MC Saida last weekend.
This round is crucial not only for the leaders but also holds significant implications for teams at risk. GS Mascara (14th, 26 points) will compete with MCB Oued Sly (15th, 23 points), both at risk of relegation. MCB Oued Sly must win against US Béchar Djedid (8th, 33 points) to maintain their Ligue 2 status, while Ghalia also faces a tough match at home against ESM Koléa (5th, 36 points).
SKAF Khemis Miliana (13th, 29 points) aims to secure another win during their away game against CR Témouchent (9th, 32 points). The remaining fixtures, taking place on Saturday at 15:00, include WA Mostaganem (7th, 34 points) against NA Hussein-Dey (4th, 38 points), JSM Tiaret (5th, 36 points) against RC Arbaâ (12th, 31 points), and SC Mecheria (16th, 12 points) hosting ASM Oran (9th, 32 points).
Conclusion
The 26th round of the Algerian Ligue 2 promises thrilling matches as teams battle for promotion and survival. With only a few matches left in the season, the stakes are higher than ever for clubs aiming to achieve their goals. Fans can expect intense competition in both the Centre-East and Centre-West groups as teams navigate the final stretch of the season, all vying for crucial points.
