NA Hussein Dey 1-2 RC Kouba — RC Kouba claimed bragging rights in the Algiers derby with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over NA Hussein Dey in Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2 action on Saturday evening. The away side produced a disciplined, counter-attacking display to take all three points from a match that Hussein Dey largely controlled in terms of possession but failed to turn into a positive result.

Match Overview

Played under the lights at Hussein Dey’s home ground, the contest was billed as a crucial mid-table clash between two capital clubs with proud histories. Hussein Dey, a former Ligue 1 mainstay, started brightly and looked to impose themselves through quick combinations in midfield. However, RC Kouba were content to sit deep, absorb pressure, and spring forward at pace — a strategy that paid off handsomely.

The opening goal arrived against the run of play. A misplaced pass in the Hussein Dey midfield was intercepted, and Kouba’s forward raced clear before slotting a low finish past the goalkeeper. The home crowd was stunned, but Hussein Dey responded well and equalised before the break from a well-worked set piece. The second half saw Hussein Dey push more men forward, but Kouba defended resiliently and grabbed the winner late on with a clinical counter-attack.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: RC Kouba take the lead through a fast break, finishing calmly after a turnover in midfield.
• 38th minute: NA Hussein Dey equalise from a corner, the ball bundled home after a goalmouth scramble.
• 67th minute: Hussein Dey hit the post with a curling effort as they search for a second goal.
• 84th minute: RC Kouba score the winner, a low cross converted at the near post after another swift counter.

Tactical Story

Hussein Dey lined up in a 4-2-3-1 and dominated the ball, often pushing their full-backs high to stretch Kouba’s defence. But their final ball was often rushed, and they struggled to break down a compact back four. RC Kouba set up in a 4-4-2 with two deep banks of four, inviting pressure before launching direct balls into the channels. The tactic worked perfectly: both goals came from transitions where Hussein Dey were caught with too many players committed forward.

Standout Players

RC Kouba goalkeeper — produced three important saves, including a one-on-one stop at 1-1, to keep his side in the game. His distribution also started the move for the winning goal.

NA Hussein Dey midfielder — was the home side’s most creative outlet, completing the most passes in the final third and delivering the corner that led to the equaliser. However, he was also guilty of losing possession for Kouba’s opening goal.

RC Kouba forward — his pace caused problems all evening, and he capped his performance with the decisive late strike.

What It Means in the Table

The win lifts RC Kouba into a more comfortable position in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2 standings, giving them momentum ahead of their next fixture. For NA Hussein Dey, the defeat is a setback in their push for promotion contention. They remain a dangerous side at home, but dropped points against a direct rival will sting. The head-to-head record between these two Algiers clubs now leans slightly in Kouba’s favour for the season.