Sidi Benali produced an attacking masterclass to defeat ESM Kolea 3-1 in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2 on 17 October 2026, with a dominant first-half display laying the foundation for a well-earned three points. The hosts were relentless going forward and could have added to their tally, while ESM Kolea’s late consolation goal did little to mask a difficult evening.

Match Overview

From the first minute, Sidi Benali set the tone with high pressing and quick vertical passes. ESM Kolea struggled to cope with the intensity and found themselves pinned back for long periods. The opening goal came in the 12th minute when Rachid Khelifi curled a superb effort into the top corner from the edge of the box, setting the stadium alight.

The hosts doubled their advantage just before half-time through Nabil Benali, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up to slot home from close range. The third arrived in the 67th minute, a sweeping team move finished by Karim Zerrouki. ESM Kolea pulled one back in the 81st minute via a header from Yacine Merabet, but it proved no more than a consolation.

Key Moments

• 12’ – Rachid Khelifi opens the scoring with a stunning long-range strike.
• 45+2’ – Nabil Benali pounces on a defensive error to make it 2-0.
• 67’ – Karim Zerrouki finishes a flowing team move for the third.
• 81’ – Yacine Merabet heads home a consolation for ESM Kolea.

Tactical Story

Sidi Benali deployed a fluid 4-3-3, with the front three interchanging positions to great effect. The midfield trio pressed aggressively, forcing ESM Kolea into hurried clearances and turnovers high up the pitch. The full-backs provided width, allowing the inside forwards to drift centrally and overload the penalty area.

ESM Kolea’s 4-4-2 proved too static, and their midfield was overrun for much of the contest. The visitors improved after the break when they switched to a three-man midfield, but by then the damage was done. Sidi Benali’s clinical finishing and superior intensity were the difference.

Standout Players

Rachid Khelifi was the architect of the victory, combining creativity with a constant goal threat. Nabil Benali worked tirelessly in the channels and deserved his goal. For ESM Kolea, Yacine Merabet showed good movement and took his header well, but the defensive unit will need to regroup quickly.

Season Impact

The win strengthens Sidi Benali’s position in the upper reaches of the Ligue Professionnelle 2 table and sends a warning to their promotion rivals. ESM Kolea, meanwhile, remain in search of consistency and must address their defensive frailties. With a long season ahead, both sides will know that momentum can shift quickly, but Sidi Benali will be buoyed by this ruthless display.