USM El Harrach U20 produced a strong comeback to defeat MO Bejaia U20 3-1 in the ALG U20 league on Friday, 23 October 2026, scoring three unanswered goals after falling behind early in the first half.

Match overview

The home side started brightly but were stunned in the 14th minute when MO Bejaia U20 took the lead against the run of play. A quick break caught the Harrach defence off guard, and a composed finish inside the penalty area gave the visitors an unexpected advantage. The goal forced USM El Harrach U20 to raise their tempo, and they began to dominate possession and territory.

The equaliser arrived in the 32nd minute after a sustained spell of pressure. Harrach worked the ball into the box and a neat finish from close range brought the home crowd back into the game. From that point until half-time, the hosts looked the more likely side to score, with Bejaia’s goalkeeper making two important saves to keep the scores level at the break.

USM El Harrach U20 continued to control the game after the interval and took the lead in the 55th minute through a well-placed shot from the edge of the area. Bejaia responded with a brief spell of pressure, but the home defence held firm. The result was sealed in the 84th minute when Harrach added a third goal on the counter, finishing clinically after a rapid move through midfield.

Key moments

• 14th minute: MO Bejaia U20 take a surprise lead with a quick counter-attack and a low finish.
• 32nd minute: USM El Harrach U20 equalise after sustained pressure and a close-range finish.
• 45+1 minutes: Bejaia’s goalkeeper makes a strong save to deny the hosts a half-time lead.
• 55th minute: Harrach take the lead with a precise strike from outside the box.
• 84th minute: The hosts seal the win with a third goal on the break.

Tactical story

After conceding early, USM El Harrach U20 adjusted their approach by pushing their full-backs higher and committing more players into the midfield. That allowed them to pin Bejaia back and create repeated crossing opportunities. The home side’s midfield trio controlled the centre of the pitch, winning second balls and recycling possession quickly.

MO Bejaia U20 defended in a deep block for much of the match and looked dangerous on the counter, but they were unable to sustain pressure after falling behind. Their early goal gave them a platform, yet Harrach’s increasing control of the ball and their willingness to shoot from distance eventually broke the visitors’ resistance. The third goal underlined the home side’s ruthlessness in transition.

Standout performers

Harrach’s No. 10 was at the heart of most of their best attacking moves, linking play between midfield and attack and setting the tempo after the equaliser. The centre-forward also impressed with intelligent movement and a well-taken goal, while the goalkeeper made a crucial save just before half-time. For Bejaia, the goalkeeper kept his side in the contest for long periods, and the midfielder who started the counter for the opening goal was their most positive performer.

Season impact

The victory gives USM El Harrach U20 an important three points and reinforces their reputation as a strong attacking side in the ALG U20 league. Coming from behind also demonstrates the character within the squad, which will be valuable as the season progresses. For MO Bejaia U20, the defeat is a reminder of the need to defend leads better and manage periods of pressure. They showed flashes of quality on the break, but they will need more consistency if they are to climb the table. Both sides will now prepare for their next fixtures, with Harrach looking to build on this result and Bejaia seeking an immediate response.