Rouisset Edges 10-Man Saoura in Tight Algerian Ligue 1 Opener

OUARGLA, Algeria (Interstat) — Khayreddine Merzougui’s first-half header proved decisive as MB Rouisset began its Algerian Ligue 1 campaign with a 1-0 victory over a resilient Saoura side that finished with nine men on Saturday at Stade 18 Février.

The match, the season opener for both sides in Algeria’s top flight, was a tense and physical affair that defied a pregame projection of a draw from Interstat. Their system had given the home side a 58.10 percent probability to win, a forecast Rouisset narrowly fulfilled in a game defined by a single moment of quality and escalating discipline issues.

After a scrappy opening quarter-hour, the game saw its first yellow card when Rouisset substitute Oussama Bentaleb was booked in the 25th minute for a tactical foul. The caution did not deter his impact, however, as he became instrumental in the breakthrough just nine minutes later.

In the 34th minute, Bentaleb initiated the scoring play, finding forward Mohamed Ridha Djahdou on the right flank. Djahdou delivered a precise, curling cross into the heart of the penalty area where Merzougui, arriving with perfect timing, powered a header past the Saoura goalkeeper. The goal sent the home supporters into raptures and capped a fluid attacking move.

The celebration was short-lived for Merzougui, who received a yellow card just two minutes after his goal for overly exuberant actions toward the opposing supporters. The physical tone of the match continued unabated, with Saoura substitute Constant Wayou booked in the 36th minute. Wayou’s involvement turned from disruptive to disastrous in the 63rd minute when he received a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to 10 men with over a half-hour to play.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Saoura organized defensively and limited clear chances for Rouisset to double its lead. The home side controlled possession but struggled to break down a compact block. Djahdou joined the list of cautioned players in the 71st minute as frustration began to creep into Rouisset’s play.

The match’s chaotic conclusion arrived deep into second-half stoppage time. In the 96th minute, Saoura goalkeeper Redouane Maâchou, who had ventured forward for a late corner kick in a desperate search for an equalizer, was shown a yellow card. The situation escalated immediately, and the referee produced a second yellow, followed by a red, sending Maâchou off the pitch. Saoura was thus reduced to nine men for the final moments, unable to mount any further threat.

The final whistle confirmed a winning start for MB Rouisset, which improves to 1-0-0 in Ligue 1 play and across all competitions this season. Saoura, meanwhile, opens its campaign 0-0-1 in both league and overall play. The victory was anchored by Merzougui’s match-winning contribution of a goal and an assist, with key supporting roles from Bentaleb and Djahdou, each credited with an assist. The defensive effort, despite the late sending-off of Maâchou, was enough to secure a clean sheet and all three points for the home side in a contest that proved more contentious than the scoreline suggests.