The ninth round of the Algerian Ligue 2 amateur football championship got underway on Friday, with several surprising results. In the Centre-East group, JS Azazga pulled off a stunning 3-2 win over MSP Batna, catapulting them to the top of the standings with 17 points, tied with MSP Batna. This result marked a significant shift in the group standings, with Azazga's victory over the previously leading MSP Batna being a major upset.
The match between JS Azazga and MSP Batna was a closely contested encounter, with Azazga ultimately emerging victorious. This win allowed them to join MSP Batna at the top of the Centre-East group, with both teams now level on 17 points. Meanwhile, JSM Skikda moved into third place with 15 points after a 3-2 win over NRB Teleghma. USM Annaba also drew 1-1 with MO Bejaia, keeping them in contention for a top spot.
In other matches in the Centre-East group, MOB secured a valuable result, although their exact score is not reported, they have 14 points and remain in touch with the leaders. NC Magra suffered a surprise 0-1 loss to CR Béni Thour, while JSD Jijel earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over AS Khroub. IRB Nezla claimed a 2-0 victory over NRB Béni Oulbane, and CA Batna played out a 0-0 draw with Paradou AC.
The Centre-West group saw GC Mascara take provisional control with 21 points after a 1-1 draw with WA Tlemcen. This result puts them at the top of the group, although USM Blida can reclaim the spot if they win their match against ASM Oran on Saturday. The Blidéens currently sit second with 20 points and a game in hand. RC Arbaâ secured a convincing 3-0 win over JS Taghit, moving them off the bottom of the table.
Several key matches in both groups are scheduled for Saturday, which will help clarify the standings. In the Centre-West group, third-placed RC Kouba faces a tough away match against MC Saïda. ES Mostaganem travels to JSM Tiaret, while IRB Sidi M’Hamed Benali takes on USM El Harrach. Other matches include NA Hussein-Dey vs ESM Koléa and WA Mostaganem vs MC El Bayadh.
The competition in both groups remains fierce, with several teams still in with a chance of promotion. The Centre-East group is particularly congested, with the top five teams separated by just a few points. Similarly, in the Centre-West group, the top three teams are locked in a tight battle for supremacy.
The results from Saturday's matches will provide a clearer picture of the league standings and which teams are likely to emerge as contenders for promotion. For now, JS Azazga and GC Mascara are setting the pace in their respective groups, but there is still much to play for in the Algerian Ligue 2.
Key points
- JS Azazga stunned MSP Batna 3-2 to take over the top spot in the Centre-East group.
