AS Khroub edged USM Annaba 1-0 in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2, winning a tight eastern derby through a second-half goal and a determined defensive effort. The match was decided by a single moment of quality, but AS Khroub’s organisation and discipline were central to the result.

Match Overview

The 23:00 kick-off on 26 September 2026 produced a tense, tactical contest. USM Annaba, one of the more historically recognised clubs in the division, looked to control possession and build attacks patiently. AS Khroub responded with a compact shape, quick counter-attacks, and a willingness to press in the middle third.

Chances were limited in the opening half. AS Khroub created the first real opening from a set piece, while USM Annaba’s best moment came from a long-range shot that forced a save. The rivalry added extra intensity to every tackle, and the referee had to manage several heated exchanges.

The Decisive Moment

The breakthrough arrived in the 61st minute. AS Khroub won a penalty after a driving run into the box was halted by a mistimed challenge. Yacine Bouzid stepped up and converted confidently, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1-0. The goal lifted the home crowd and gave AS Khroub a lead to protect.

Late Annaba Pressure

USM Annaba responded with their strongest spell of the match. They pushed their wingers higher, delivered crosses into the box, and forced AS Khroub deeper. The equaliser nearly came from a header at the back post, but the AS Khroub goalkeeper produced a fine reaction save.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes, Annaba committed more bodies forward, leaving gaps at the back. AS Khroub almost sealed the win on the counter but had to settle for a one-goal margin. In stoppage time, a series of corners caused anxiety, but the home defence cleared every ball.

Tactical Battle

AS Khroub’s 4-4-2 block was designed to deny space between the lines. They stayed narrow, forced USM Annaba wide, and then defended the crosses with numbers. When they won possession, they looked to release their strikers quickly, bypassing the midfield and attacking the space behind Annaba’s advanced full-backs.

USM Annaba dominated the ball for long spells but struggled to break down a well-drilled defence. Their best chances came from set pieces and second balls, which AS Khroub defended aggressively. The penalty proved the difference in a match where clear-cut opportunities were rare.

Standout Players

Yacine Bouzid was the match-winner for AS Khroub, not only for the penalty but also for his work rate in linking midfield and attack. The goalkeeper was another hero, making a crucial late save, while the central defenders won almost every aerial duel. For USM Annaba, the goalkeeper kept the score down with important stops, and their captain tried to drive the team forward until the final whistle.

Algerian Ligue 2 Table Impact

This 1-0 win is a significant result for AS Khroub in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2, giving them three points in a competitive derby and strengthening their confidence. For USM Annaba, it is a frustrating defeat after a performance that included plenty of possession but not enough penetration. Both teams will know that in a league where margins are often tiny, games like this can shape the mood of an entire season.