NA Hussein Dey 1-0 RC Arba: Benali Strike Secures Home Win

NA Hussein Dey claimed a valuable 1-0 victory over RC Arba in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2 on 24 October 2026, with Yacine Benali scoring the only goal of the game at the Stade Frères Zioui. The win strengthens Hussein Dey’s position in the standings and hands RC Arba a narrow away defeat despite a disciplined defensive display.

Match overview

NA Hussein Dey controlled the rhythm of the match from the early stages, dominating possession and forcing RC Arba into a deep defensive block. The hosts moved the ball patiently through midfield, looking to create overloads on the flanks, while Arba focused on keeping their shape and limiting space between the lines.

The first half was largely one-way traffic in terms of territory, but clear chances were hard to come by. Hussein Dey’s best opportunities came from set pieces and crosses into the box, where Arba’s centre-backs stood firm. After the break, the home side raised the tempo, and the breakthrough finally arrived in the 67th minute.

Key moments

• 14th minute: RC Arba’s first meaningful counter-attack ended with a low shot that was comfortably gathered by the Hussein Dey goalkeeper.
• 27th minute: A header from a Hussein Dey corner flashed just wide of the far post.
• 41st minute: The Arba goalkeeper produced a strong reflex save to deny a close-range effort from the home striker.
• 67th minute: Yacine Benali broke the deadlock, finishing calmly from inside the penalty area after a well-worked move down the right.
• 79th minute: Arba pushed forward and won a free-kick in a promising position, but the delivery was cleared.
• 88th minute: Hussein Dey’s goalkeeper made a crucial late save to protect the three points.

Tactical story

Hussein Dey lined up in a 4-3-3 formation designed to dominate the ball. Their midfield trio rotated well, with one player dropping deep to collect possession while the full-backs pushed high. The home side’s main tactic was to stretch Arba’s back five before delivering crosses into the box.

RC Arba, by contrast, defended in a 5-4-1 low block and looked to spring quick counter-attacks through their wide players. The plan worked for long periods, but the constant defensive workload eventually told. Once Hussein Dey scored, Arba were forced to commit more bodies forward, which opened space in behind. The home side managed the closing stages intelligently, slowing the tempo and protecting their lead.

Standout performers

Yacine Benali was the match-winner, showing excellent movement to find space in the box and composure to finish the decisive chance. His link-up play with the midfield also helped Hussein Dey sustain pressure throughout the second half.

The Hussein Dey goalkeeper deserves mention for two important saves, including the late stop that secured the clean sheet. For RC Arba, the central defenders were the standout performers, making numerous clearances and blocks under sustained pressure.

Table and season impact

The three points lift NA Hussein Dey in the Ligue Professionnelle 2 standings and give them momentum in the race for promotion. A home win of this kind — hard-fought rather than spectacular — is often the difference between a good season and a great one.

RC Arba remain without the result they wanted, but their defensive organisation will offer encouragement. They will need to find more attacking threat in upcoming fixtures if they are to climb the table, while Hussein Dey can take confidence from a controlled performance and a second clean sheet on home soil.