CR Beni Thour 1-2 USM Annaba: Visitors complete second-half comeback

USM Annaba came from behind to beat CR Beni Thour 2-1 in Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2 on October 24, 2026. After trailing at half-time, Annaba produced a composed second-half response and sealed the win with a well-worked goal in the closing stages.

The result is a significant one for USM Annaba’s promotion ambitions, while CR Beni Thour are left to reflect on a missed opportunity after a promising start.

Match overview

CR Beni Thour began with energy and urgency, pressing Annaba’s midfield and forcing early corners. The hosts lined up in a 4-4-2 and looked to attack quickly through their strikers, while USM Annaba started in a 4-2-3-1 and initially struggled to find rhythm.

The opening goal came midway through the first half and gave Beni Thour a deserved lead. Annaba responded well before the break, increasing possession and testing the home goalkeeper, but they went into half-time still trailing.

Key moments

• 18 minutes: CR Beni Thour took the lead when a low cross was turned in at the near post after a scramble in the box.
• 35 minutes: Annaba’s best chance of the first half came from a free-kick, but the header went wide.
• 54 minutes: USM Annaba equalised through a precise finish from the edge of the area after a patient build-up.
• 69 minutes: Beni Thour were denied by a fine save from the Annaba goalkeeper as the game opened up.
• 81 minutes: Annaba scored the winner when a quick counter-attack ended with a close-range finish.
• 90+3 minutes: Beni Thour pushed bodies forward for a late corner, but Annaba cleared the danger.

Tactical story

The match turned on Annaba’s second-half adjustments. They pushed their midfield higher, won more second balls, and forced Beni Thour deeper. The equalising goal came from exactly that pattern: sustained pressure, a quick switch of play, and a finish from the edge of the box.

Beni Thour had defended resolutely for much of the first half but struggled once Annaba increased the tempo. Their late substitutions added energy, but the hosts lacked the composure to create a clear equaliser after falling behind.

Standout players

Annaba’s midfield leader, Walid Bouziane, was instrumental in the comeback, controlling possession and driving his team forward. The goalscorer of the winner, Karim Lounis, showed excellent movement and composure. For Beni Thour, goalkeeper Amine Khelifi kept his side in the match with several important saves.

What the result means

USM Annaba take a valuable three points on the road and strengthen their position in the Ligue Professionnelle 2 table. CR Beni Thour remain in need of consistency, especially at home, where they have now let a lead slip. The match report underlines the fine margins in this division: one strong second-half spell was enough to flip the result.