By Angu Lesley
Cameroonian striker Franck Mbella Etouga was once again decisive for USM Khenchela, scoring in their impressive 2-1 victory over USM Alger in a delayed Algerian Ligue 1 matchday 19 fixture on Monday.
The former AS Fortuna and Asante Kotoko forward opened the scoring as early as the 9th minute, giving Khenchela the perfect start against a USM Alger side led in defence by fellow Cameroonian Che Malone Fondoh Jnr.
Khenchela doubled their advantage in the 39th minute through Chekal Affari before Zakaria Draoui reduced the deficit for the visitors just before halftime. Despite pressure from the Algerian giants in the second half, Khenchela held firm to secure all three points in a tense encounter that ended with substitute Boumechra being sent off in stoppage time.
The victory was a major boost for Khenchela, who now move to 9th position in the Algerian Ligue 1 standings with 39 points after 30 matches. Mbella Etouga and his teammates will now prepare for their final league outing of the season against MB Rouissat.
For USM Alger, the defeat leaves them 7th on the table with 40 points. Che Malone and his side will hope to bounce back quickly when they face Paradou AC in their next fixture.
Mbella Etouga continues to enjoy an impressive campaign in Algeria. The 24-year-old attacker currently ranks 4th among the league’s top scorers with 9 goals. Having risen to prominence in Cameroon with AS Fortuna before shining at Ghanaian powerhouse Asante Kotoko, he remains one of Khenchela’s most influential attacking players this season.
On the opposite side, Che Malone — the former Union Sportive of Douala, Cotonsport and Simba SC defender — completed another solid performance despite ending on the losing side in the much-anticipated Cameroonian battle in Algeria.
The clash once again highlighted the growing impact of Cameroonian footballers in the Algerian top flight, with both Mbella Etouga and Che Malone playing central roles for their respective clubs.
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