ESM Kolea 2-4 GC Mascara: Haddad Brace Inspires Away Victory

GC Mascara produced a clinical away performance to beat ESM Kolea 4-2 in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2 on 24 October 2026 at the Stade Municipal de Koléa. A brace from Bilal Haddad laid the foundation for the win, and late goals from Karim Belkacem and Sofiane Cherif sealed a result that boosts Mascara’s promotion ambitions.

Match overview

The game started at a furious pace, with ESM Kolea taking an early lead through Yacine Meddah’s close-range finish. Rather than retreat, GC Mascara responded with intent, pressing higher and forcing errors in the Kolea back line. Bilal Haddad equalised in the 28th minute and then added a second shortly before half-time to turn the contest on its head.

Kolea refused to fold and levelled through Amine Boudjema just after the hour mark, setting up a tense final quarter. But Mascara’s counter-attacking quality proved decisive. Karim Belkacem restored the visitors’ lead in the 78th minute, and Sofiane Cherif added a fourth in stoppage time as Kolea pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

Key moments

• 12th minute: ESM Kolea took the lead when Yacine Meddah converted from close range after a scramble in the box.
• 28th minute: Bilal Haddad equalised with a composed finish following a swift Mascara counter-attack.
• 43rd minute: Haddad struck again, arriving late in the box to convert a low cross from the right.
• 61st minute: Amine Boudjema brought Kolea level with a powerful strike from the edge of the area.
• 78th minute: Karim Belkacem restored Mascara’s lead, finishing off a breakaway after Kolea lost possession in midfield.
• 90+2 minutes: Sofiane Cherif sealed the win with a calm finish as Kolea left space at the back.

Tactical story

ESM Kolea set up with an attacking 4-2-3-1 and looked dangerous in the opening exchanges, particularly down the left flank. However, their high defensive line left them exposed to Mascara’s quick transitions. GC Mascara sat slightly deeper without the ball and used their pace in wide areas to launch counter-attacks.

After taking the lead, Kolea pushed for a second and committed more players forward. That played into Mascara’s hands. The visitors’ midfield won several key duels and immediately released their forwards into space. The third goal was a perfect example of this pattern: a turnover in midfield, a direct pass forward, and a composed finish. Kolea’s late push for an equaliser only created more room for Mascara to kill the game.

Standout performers

Bilal Haddad was the clear standout, scoring twice and leading the line with intelligence. His movement between the centre-backs caused problems all evening, and his hold-up play allowed Mascara to relieve pressure when needed.

Karim Belkacem also impressed with his energy and decisive contribution in the final third. For Kolea, Yacine Meddah and Amine Boudjema took their goals well, but the home side’s defensive shape will need work after conceding four times.

Table and season impact

The win moves GC Mascara into a stronger position in the Ligue Professionnelle 2 standings and sends a message to their promotion rivals. Scoring four goals away from home is a significant statement of intent.

ESM Kolea, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses. They showed enough attacking quality to suggest they can climb the table, but they must find a way to protect their back line when pushing forward. This match report will be remembered for Mascara’s ruthlessness on the counter and Haddad’s match-winning brace.