JS Kabylie broke their four-match winless streak by defeating Paradou AC 2-1 on Friday at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium as part of the 18th matchday of the Ligue 1 Mobilis. This victory marks the end of their recent difficulties, which saw the team secure only two draws and two losses over the previous four games.
From the onset, JS Kabylie was determined to make their mark, taking the lead within the first two minutes through Berkane. Despite numerous opportunities throughout the first half, they struggled to extend their advantage. While JSK demonstrated placement and organization, the final touch was lacking, leading to frustration among the players and management.
Returning from halftime, Paradou AC came out with increased vigor and urgency, exerting pressure on the home side. The reward for their persistence came at the 71st minute when Bouzahzah successfully equalized with a header, sending shockwaves through the stadium devoid of fans. This goal shifted the momentum and added tension to the game as both teams pushed for the win.
Just when it seemed the match might end with shared points, dramatic twists unfolded. Ten minutes after Paradou AC's equalizer, the referee, Mustapha Gherbal, consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and awarded JS Kabylie a penalty kick. Captain Madani stepped up and converted the penalty, regaining the lead for his team. The ecstatic players celebrated with passionate gestures, knowing the importance of this goal for their standing both psychologically and on the scoreboard.
This victory is particularly significant for JS Kabylie as it marks their first under the management of Zinnbauer. The win propelled them to third place on the league table, tallying 29 points alongside USM Alger, who currently sit just above them. The road back to winning ways appears promising, spurred on by the resilience displayed during this match.
Meanwhile, things took a turn for the worse for Paradou AC, who are now enduring their fifth consecutive match without victory and dropping to the tenth position on the league table with 23 points. The pressure mounts for coach Dziri and his squad, needing to address their problems before losing touch with mid-table stability becomes irreversible.
The 18th matchday will conclude with the highly anticipated fixture between MC Alger and CS Constantine, scheduled for later this Thursday evening. MC Alger leads the league with 34 points, currently undefeated over their last eight matches—highlighting their status as serious championship contenders. On the other hand, CS Constantine is looking to break its own two-match winless streak.
The league continues to offer thrilling matchups, with each game carrying significant weight as teams battle for position and pride.