ES Hamam-Sousse and USM Alger played out a disciplined 0-0 draw in an international club friendly on 4 August 2026. With no goals to separate the two sides, the match still offered plenty of useful information to both coaching staffs as they fine-tuned their squads ahead of the new season.

Match summary

The game was competitive throughout, with both teams enjoying periods of control. USM Alger, known for their organised midfield play, kept possession well at times, while ES Hamam-Sousse looked dangerous on the break and created a few half-chances in the final third.

Each side had moments when they looked capable of finding the net, but resilient defending and several important saves ensured the match ended scoreless.

Tactical observations

• Compact defensive shape: Both teams stayed structured off the ball, making it difficult for attackers to find space between the lines.
• Rotation opportunities: The friendly allowed both coaches to give minutes to a wider group of players and test different combinations.
• Late pressure: USM Alger pushed forward in the final ten minutes, but the home side’s back line remained calm and saw out the game.

What the result gives both teams

For ES Hamam-Sousse, this friendly was a chance to measure themselves against an experienced African opponent and build confidence in their defensive work. For USM Alger, the clean sheet was a positive takeaway and a solid platform for further improvements.

Pre-season friendlies are often more about performance than results, and this 0-0 draw will be seen by both camps as a worthwhile workout. As the season approaches, the focus will now shift to sharpening attacking sharpness and turning positive spells into goals.