MC Alger U20 and ES Ben Aknoun U20 played out an exciting 2-2 draw in the Algerian U20 League on September 25, 2026. The match began at 17:00 local time and delivered a derby-like intensity, with four goals, several momentum shifts and no shortage of late drama. MC Alger U20 will feel they should have taken all three points, while ES Ben Aknoun U20 will celebrate a resilient away performance.

Match overview

MC Alger U20 enjoyed the better of the early possession and looked to impose themselves through quick combinations in midfield. ES Ben Aknoun U20, however, were dangerous on the counter and took their chances when they arrived. The game was played at a high tempo, with both teams committed to attacking football and neither defence able to fully control the opposition’s forward runners.

After leading 2-1 for much of the second half, MC Alger U20 were pegged back by a late ES Ben Aknoun equaliser. The draw keeps MC Alger U20 in the thick of the ALG U20 title conversation but leaves them with a sense of missed opportunity. For ES Ben Aknoun U20, the point is a useful reward for their organisation and fighting spirit.

Key moments

• 10th minute – ES Ben Aknoun take a shock lead: Riad Benali finished a fast break with a composed strike into the bottom corner.
• 27th minute – MC Alger U20 equalise: Amine Khelifi reacted first to a rebound and smashed the ball home from close range.
• 55th minute – MC Alger U20 go ahead: Youssef Meziane curled a beautiful effort beyond the goalkeeper after cutting inside from the left.
• 81st minute – ES Ben Aknoun equalise: Karim Haddad converted a penalty after a foul in the box, silencing the home crowd.

Tactical story

MC Alger U20 set up with a 4-3-3 and tried to dominate the ball, using their full-backs to create overloads in wide areas. Their equaliser came from sustained pressure, and their second goal was a moment of individual quality. But they struggled to manage the game after taking the lead, dropping deeper and inviting ES Ben Aknoun onto them.

ES Ben Aknoun U20 were well-drilled in a 4-4-2 mid-block. They conceded possession at times but defended their box with courage and looked to spring forward through quick transitions. Their late penalty was the reward for persistent running. The tactical story was simple: MC Alger had more of the ball, but ES Ben Aknoun had more of the decisive moments when it mattered.

Standout players

Youssef Meziane was MC Alger U20’s standout performer, scoring a fine goal and creating several other chances. Amine Khelifi was energetic in midfield and showed good anticipation for his goal. For ES Ben Aknoun U20, Riad Benali caused problems all match with his pace, while Karim Haddad showed composure from the penalty spot under pressure.

ALG U20 standings impact

The 2-2 draw adds another twist to the Algerian U20 League table. MC Alger U20 remain among the sides chasing top spot, but dropping points at home could prove costly if their rivals capitalise. ES Ben Aknoun U20 move forward with renewed belief, having shown they can compete with one of the strongest academies in the country. The reverse fixture will now carry extra significance.