CS Constantine (CSC) are the 2017-18 Algerian League 1 champions for the second time since 1996-97 season.
The Dean as the Constantine-based club formed in 1898 is nicknamed edged demoted UDM Blida 2-1 away to secure the coveted gong with a match to spare.
A.Elbey the broke the deadlock for the hosts in the 32nd minute for a 1-0 half time lead, but on resumption S. Lamri restored parity in the 56th minute before E. Belameiri grabbed the winner in the 91st minute.
To close the title race today and avoid the final day pressure, CSC needed to beat Blida and for their closest challengers NA Hussein Dey to draw or lose.
And as it turned out, NA Hussein Dey were held at home by Belouizdad – effectively dimming their slim title chances as CSC opened unassailable seven-point gap at the top with one round of fixtures to go.
CSC earned a ticket to represent the country in next season’s CAF Champions League. They will be returning to the continental scene since 2016 when they exited the Confederation Cup in the second round.
Surprisingly two times African champions ES Setif, who are playing in the Champions League group stage currently, will miss continental football next season if they do not go all the way as they are 6th in the League 1 – outside the qualification bracket.
USM Alger, who are playing in the Confederation Cup group stage are also starring at missing next season’s edition if they do not clinch it as they are placed 5th in the league one point off rivals MC Alger.
