By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Cameroon defender Che Malone came off the bench to help USM Alger protect their advantage and secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over JS Saoura in the Algerian Ligue 1 on Tuesday, October 13.
Malone was introduced in the 85th minute as USM Alger held on for all three points at the Stade du 5 Juillet 1962. The former Cameroon international defender’s late appearance came as the hosts sought to preserve their slender lead against a Saoura side pushing for an equaliser.
Mohamed Bouderbala scored the decisive goal in the 31st minute, finishing a move created by Haithem Loucif to put USM Alger ahead before the interval. The hosts went into half-time with a 1-0 advantage and then had to work hard to maintain it during a closely contested second half.
USM Alger enjoyed 56 per cent of possession and recorded eight shots, with two on target. Saoura managed six shots, none of which tested the goalkeeper, despite earning seven corners compared with four for the hosts. The numbers reflected a competitive encounter in which USM Alger did enough to keep their opponents at bay.
Malone’s introduction in the closing stages added defensive cover as USM Alger managed the final minutes. The visitors were unable to find a breakthrough, allowing the Algerian giants to claim a valuable home win.
The result gives USM Alger an important boost in their Ligue 1 campaign, while JS Saoura were left to reflect on a frustrating evening after failing to turn their attacking opportunities into a goal.
English 
French