Olympique Akbou 2-1 ES Ben Aknoun: Late Goal Settles Tense Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 Battle

Olympique Akbou secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over ES Ben Aknoun in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 on Friday, with a late goal deciding a match that had swung back and forth after the interval. The home side started brightly, survived a determined comeback, and found the winning moment in the closing stages.

The result gives Olympique Akbou a valuable three points in a tightly contested league, while ES Ben Aknoun are left to reflect on a performance that showed spirit but ultimately lacked the defensive solidity to hold on for a draw.

Match Overview

• League: Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1
• Final score: Olympique Akbou 2-1 ES Ben Aknoun
• Date: October 16, 2026
• Kick-off: 22:30 local time
• Goals: Yacine Bouzid 18’ (Olympique Akbou), Sofiane Belkacem 62’ (ES Ben Aknoun), Rafik Haddad 84’ (Olympique Akbou)

First Half: Akbou Take an Early Lead

Olympique Akbou made the brighter start, pressing ES Ben Aknoun high and forcing several early turnovers. Their reward came in the 18th minute when Yacine Bouzid found space on the edge of the box and curled a precise finish into the far corner. It was a goal that reflected the home side’s early dominance.

ES Ben Aknoun gradually settled into the game, using their midfield to slow the tempo and keep possession. They created a few half-chances from set-pieces, but Olympique Akbou’s goalkeeper was rarely forced into a serious save. At half-time, the home side held a narrow but deserved lead.

Second Half: Ben Aknoun Fight Back, Akbou Find a Winner

ES Ben Aknoun came out with far more urgency after the break. They pushed their wing-backs higher and began to win more second balls in midfield. The equalizer arrived in the 62nd minute when Sofiane Belkacem connected with a low cross and swept the ball home from close range.

That goal changed the mood of the match. For a period, ES Ben Aknoun looked the more likely side to score again, and Olympique Akbou had to defend deep. However, the home team weathered the storm and began to regain control in the final fifteen minutes.

The decisive moment came in the 84th minute. After a quick counter-attack, the ball was worked to Rafik Haddad, who took a touch to steady himself and fired a low shot past the goalkeeper. The goal sparked wild celebrations and left ES Ben Aknoun with little time to respond.

Tactical Story: Midfield Battles and Late Substitutions

Olympique Akbou’s 4-2-3-1 shape gave them good balance in the first half, with the wide players stretching ES Ben Aknoun’s defence. Their early press worked well, but they dropped too deep after the break, allowing the visitors back into the contest.

ES Ben Aknoun’s switch to a more aggressive midfield press helped them equalize, but it also left space behind for Akbou’s late counter-attack. The home side’s substitutions proved crucial, adding fresh energy in the final twenty minutes and helping them reclaim the initiative.

Standout Players

• Yacine Bouzid: Opened the scoring with a composed finish and was a constant threat in the first half.
• Rafik Haddad: Scored the late winner and showed excellent composure in the decisive moment.
• Sofiane Belkacem: ES Ben Aknoun’s best player, scoring the equalizer and driving his team forward.
• Olympique Akbou midfield: Won the important duels late on and turned defense into attack for the winning goal.

What It Means in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 Table

The victory gives Olympique Akbou an important lift in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 standings. In a league where home form is often decisive, picking up three points after conceding an equalizer will feel especially satisfying. It also highlights their ability to grind out results when the match becomes difficult.

For ES Ben Aknoun, the defeat is painful because they had fought their way back into the game. They will take encouragement from their second-half response, but the late concession will be a major frustration. Both sides now turn their attention to the next round, with Olympique Akbou looking to build momentum and ES Ben Aknoun aiming to turn competitive displays into points.