On April 19, 2025, the excitement of Algerian football was palpable as USM Alger hosted JS Kabylie at the 5-Juillet Stadium for a crucial match in the 23rd round of Ligue 1 Mobilis. With the stakes high, both teams were eager to secure vital points in their quest for the championship.
USM Alger entered the match with a buoyant spirit, having recently qualified for the final of the Algerian Cup. This morale boost was essential as they aimed to reconnect with the national championship on a positive note. However, the team faced significant challenges, including a lack of support from fans due to a sanction imposed by the disciplinary commission, which meant the match would be played behind closed doors. This absence of the home crowd could prove detrimental to the players, who often draw motivation from their supporters.
Adding to USM Alger's woes, five key players were sidelined for the match. Haithem Loucif, Kevin Mundeko, and Mehdi Merghem were out due to injuries, while Adem Alilet and Salim Boukhanchouche were serving suspensions. Coach Marcos Paqueta was left in a precarious situation, needing to adapt his strategy without these pivotal players.
Despite these setbacks, the match was seen as an essential turning point in the race for the podium. A victory was imperative for USM Alger to stay close to the top spots in the league. With the leaders, MC Alger (MCA), facing US Biskra, the opportunity to close the gap was ripe. "Winning against a rival always has a special flavor," noted a local sports analyst, emphasizing the importance of this clash.
As the match kicked off at 19:00 (DZ), the tension in the stadium was palpable. Both teams understood the significance of the points on offer. USM Alger aimed to capitalize on any slip-ups from MCA, while JS Kabylie sought to fortify their position in the top three.
Throughout the first half, both teams exhibited a cautious approach. The visitors, JS Kabylie, demonstrated resilience, having recently secured a victory in their last away match against Khenchela. They were well-prepared to challenge USM Alger, knowing that a win could propel them closer to the top of the standings.
As the match progressed, it became clear that USM Alger was struggling to find their rhythm. The absence of key players was evident, and they failed to convert several opportunities into goals. Meanwhile, JS Kabylie capitalized on their chances, demonstrating a solid defensive structure and a willingness to strike on the counter.
The match remained goalless through the 90 minutes, with both teams fighting hard but unable to break the deadlock. Just when it seemed that the game would end in a draw, the drama unfolded in the dying moments. In the second minute of stoppage time, JS Kabylie’s Sarr managed to find the back of the net, stunning the USM Alger players and fans alike. His goal not only secured victory for his team but also highlighted the resilience and tactical discipline of the visitors.
With this late goal, JS Kabylie clinched a vital 1-0 win, keeping them firmly in the race for the title as they moved to 40 points in the league table, securing their position in third place. In contrast, the defeat left USM Alger with a total of 33 points, placing them fifth in the standings, albeit with two matches in hand. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for the home side, who had hoped to build momentum following their cup success.
Following the match, the atmosphere was one of disappointment for USM Alger, as they reflected on missed opportunities and the impact of their missing players. Coach Paqueta expressed his frustration, noting, "We fought hard, but we simply couldn't convert our chances. The absence of key players certainly affected our performance today." The coach’s words echoed the sentiments of many supporters who felt that a more complete squad could have turned the tide in their favor.
Meanwhile, JS Kabylie celebrated their hard-fought victory, with players and fans alike reveling in the triumph. This win not only boosted their points tally but also provided a psychological advantage as they continued their pursuit of the championship. The victory showcased their ability to perform under pressure, a quality that could prove crucial in the coming weeks.
The match served as a reminder of the unpredictability of football and the importance of depth in squad management. As the season progresses, both teams will need to adapt and overcome challenges, with USM Alger looking to bounce back in their next fixture against JS Saoura, while JS Kabylie aims to build on their momentum.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, the focus now shifts to the next round of fixtures in Ligue 1 Mobilis. With the title race heating up, every match will be crucial as teams vie for supremacy in Algerian football.
