Saudi Arabia U16 1–2 Algeria U16
International Friendly | 7 June 2026, 00:00

Match Overview

Algeria U16 edged Saudi Arabia U16 2–1 in an entertaining international friendly staged under floodlights. The visitors showed greater efficiency in front of goal, capitalising on defensive lapses to secure a hard‑fought win.

First‑Half Action

Algeria took the lead in the 18th minute when forward Yacine Belaïd latched onto a through ball and slotted past the Saudi goalkeeper. The Saudis responded well and equalised just before the half‑hour mark through a powerful header from Fahad Al‑Ghamdi following a corner.

Decisive Second Half

The match remained finely balanced until the 63rd minute, when Algeria’s Rayan Benali scored what proved to be the winner. A swift counter‑attack left the Saudi defence exposed, and Benali’s strike from the edge of the box found the bottom corner.

Young Talents on Show

Both nations used the friendly to test emerging prospects. Saudi Arabia’s midfield trio showed promising link‑up play, while Algeria’s defensive organisation improved markedly after the equaliser. The game was played at a high tempo, offering valuable experience for the U16 squads ahead of upcoming tournaments.

Algeria U16 will take confidence from the result as they build towards youth championships, while Saudi Arabia U16 will look to tighten their defensive shape.