The 18th Matchday of Ligue 1 Mobilis has generated substantial excitement this February, particularly with the matches set to take place today, February 28, 2025. Among the highlights is the clash between JS Kabylie and Paradou AC, followed closely by the anticipated encounter between league leaders MC Alger and CS Constantine.
Starting at 16:45 local time, JS Kabylie fans are eager to witness their team take on Paradou AC at the Stade Hocine Aït Ahmed. This match carries significant weight for both teams, as they aim to bolster their positions on the league table. After struggling with four matches without victory, the JS Kabylie players are determined to turn things around, buoyed by their home advantage.
"La JS Kabylie a pris le meilleur sur le Paradou AC (2-1)", said Radio Algérie Multimédia, summarizing the outcome of their previous encounter. The match served as pivotal for the Canaries, who truly needed to seize this opportunity at home to advance closer to their archrivals, USM Alger, currently standing at third place.
For Paradou AC, with aspirations of closing the gap on their rivals, every point is precious. The initial band of the match was characterized by aggressive play from both teams. JS Kabylie, wanting to capitalize early, pulled off the first goal thanks to Berkane just two minutes after kick-off. Their early lead prompted hopes for securing three points.
Despite numerous opportunities to double their lead, the Kabylie players faced challenges breaking through Paradou’s defense until the latter stages of the match. The Pacists retaliated, leveling the score at 71 minutes through Bouzahzah, who stepped up to head the equalizer. This unexpected turn added to the mounting tension within the match.
With the score tied, the stakes escalated tremendously. The physical and emotional toll of the match was palpable, and it seemed either team could claim victory.
But just then, the referee Mustapha Gherbal awarded JS Kabylie a penalty after reviewing the situation via VAR, leading to captain Madani stepping up to take the shot. Madani successfully converted the penalty, taking the score to 2-1 and allowing the home side to grab control once again as the clock wound down.
The victory not only breaks JS Kabylie's futile streak but also places them back on the podium at third place, now equal with USM Alger at 29 points. For Paradou AC, on the other hand, this loss compounds their recent troubles, leaving them at 10th place with just 23 points.
Meanwhile, another anticipated face-off will occur at 19:00 as the league leaders, MC Alger, host CS Constantine at Stade du 5 Juillet. The Doyen holds strong standings with 34 points and remain unbeaten for eight consecutive matches. They are determined to secure yet another victory to maintain their five-point lead over second-placed CR Belouizdad.
The stakes are high for CS Constantine as well, who currently sit sixth with 25 points. Coach Lotfi Amrouche's side seeks to regain momentum after two consecutive draws. The match promises intense rivalry, with both teams eager to not only win but also set the tone for the remainder of the season.
Both engagements are more than mere matches; they represent the struggles and ambitions of clubs striving for excellence within Algeria’s vibrant football scene. The outcomes of these clashes could have lasting consequences for the league standings as the season edges toward its climax.
Fans from both sides, though unable to fill the stadium due to restrictions, have made their presence felt online, rallying support through social media as they share insights and perspectives on their teams’ performances throughout the season so far.
Tomorrow, the remaining matches will wrap up Matchday 18 with fans anticipating if their teams can either push for European positions or stave off relegation dangers.