ES Setif U20 produced a commanding 5-0 victory over AS Khroub U20 in the ALG U20 league on 23 October 2026, with Rayan Mellouli scoring twice and Anis Khelifi pulling the strings in a one-sided contest.

From the opening whistle, ES Setif U20 imposed themselves on the game, pressing high and forcing AS Khroub U20 into a series of early mistakes. The hosts were sharper in every department — quicker to loose balls, more aggressive in duels, and far more clinical in front of goal. By half-time the match was effectively decided, and the second half became a demonstration of controlled, confident football.

Match overview

ES Setif U20 started with a clear plan: dominate possession, attack through the wide areas, and deny AS Khroub any time on the ball in midfield. The breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute when Mellouli latched onto a through ball, took one touch to compose himself, and finished low into the bottom corner. The goal settled the hosts and forced AS Khroub into a deeper defensive block.

Setif doubled their lead in the 28th minute through Mellouli again. A quick exchange on the edge of the box released him inside the penalty area, and he made no mistake from close range. AS Khroub’s attempts to respond were limited to long clearances, and their back line was stretched repeatedly by Setif’s movement between the lines.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Rayan Mellouli opens the scoring with a composed low finish after a precise through ball.
• 28th minute: Mellouli doubles the lead, finishing from close range after a slick exchange on the edge of the box.
• 41st minute: Anis Khelifi adds a third with a curling effort from just outside the penalty area.
• 67th minute: Substitute Yacine Benali scores with his first meaningful touch, converting a low cross at the back post.
• 84th minute: Islam Bouzid completes the scoring with a header from a corner, capping a dominant team performance.

The third goal just before half-time was the decisive blow. Khelifi’s curling strike from the edge of the box gave the AS Khroub goalkeeper no chance and removed any lingering hope of a comeback. The second half was played at a lower intensity, but Setif’s professionalism never wavered. Benali’s immediate impact from the bench and Bouzid’s late header underlined the depth available to the hosts.

Tactical story

ES Setif U20 lined up in a fluid 4-3-3 that became a 4-2-3-1 out of possession. Their full-backs pushed high to pin AS Khroub’s wide midfielders, while the front three rotated constantly to create overloads in central areas. Khelifi was the key figure in transition, receiving between the lines and releasing runners into space.

AS Khroub U20 attempted to defend in a compact 4-4-2, but they struggled to close the gap between midfield and defence. Setif’s quick passing repeatedly bypassed their first line of pressure, and the visitors were forced into last-ditch defending. When AS Khroub did win the ball, they lacked an outlet, and Setif’s counter-press won possession back almost immediately.

Standout players

Rayan Mellouli was the obvious headline performer, scoring twice and leading the line with intelligence. His movement dragged defenders out of position and created space for others. Anis Khelifi was the game’s creative heartbeat, combining relentless energy with precise distribution. In defence, ES Setif’s centre-back pairing kept a clean sheet with minimal fuss, while the goalkeeper dealt confidently with the few crosses that came his way.

For AS Khroub U20, there were few positives on the night, though their goalkeeper made several saves to prevent an even heavier defeat. The result will force a period of reflection as they look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.

Season impact

The three points strengthen ES Setif U20’s position in the ALG U20 table and give their goal difference a significant boost. In youth leagues where momentum can shift quickly, a five-goal win can be worth more than just the points — it sends a message to rival teams and builds confidence throughout the squad.

AS Khroub U20, meanwhile, will need to address their defensive shape and their ability to retain possession under pressure. The scoreline was emphatic, but the lessons are clear: against the division’s stronger sides, they cannot afford to concede space in central areas. Setif’s next challenge will be to maintain this level of intensity, while Khroub must find a response quickly.