MC Oran Edges MB Rouisset in Ligue 1 Season Opener

BIR EL DJIR, Algeria (Interstat) — MC Oran opened its Algerian Ligue 1 campaign with a 2-1 victory over MB Rouisset on Thursday, overcoming an early deficit at Stade Olympique d’Oran.

The match, which featured three goals in a frantic 13-minute span either side of halftime, saw the home side fulfill its pregame favoritism. Statistical models gave MC Oran a 74.4 percent probability to win, though the actual contest proved more challenging than the projected 1-1 draw.

MB Rouisset, the visiting side, struck first against the run of play just before the interval. Substitute Khayreddine Merzougui, who had entered the match earlier, broke the deadlock in the 44th minute with a left-footed finish, sending the underdogs into halftime with a surprising lead.

That advantage was short-lived. MC Oran responded swiftly after the restart, leveling the score in the 50th minute. Defender Mokhtar Belkhither found the net with a right-footed effort, capitalizing on the building momentum for the hosts.

The comeback was completed seven minutes later by midfielder Chakib Aoudjane, who delivered the decisive blow. Aoudjane, already carrying a yellow card from the 14th minute, cut inside onto his left foot and fired home what proved to be the winning goal in the 57th minute. The goal capped a standout performance for Aoudjane, who also contributed an assist on Belkhither’s equalizer.

The match was a physical affair, reflected in five yellow cards issued by the officiating crew. Following Aoudjane’s early booking, MB Rouisset’s Abderrahmane Bourdim was cautioned in the 40th minute. The second half saw three more substitutes enter the book: Massinissa Nezla of MB Rouisset in the 51st minute, and Mohamed Faiz Belgourai and Yacine Zeghad of MC Oran in the 70th and 74th minutes, respectively. Both Nezla and Belgourai managed to record assists despite their cautions.

With the result, MC Oran begins its league season with a perfect record of one win and no losses, a mark that also stands for its overall record across all competitions this season. For newly promoted or struggling MB Rouisset, the defeat marks a difficult start, leaving them with one loss in both Ligue 1 and their total campaign.

The victory provides a positive foundation for MC Oran’s ambitions in the domestic league, while MB Rouisset will look to regroup after a competitive showing that ultimately yielded no points.