E. M. Mahdia Come From Behind to Beat Oceano Kerkennah 2-1

Final score: E. M. Mahdia 2-1 Oceano Kerkennah

E. M. Mahdia produced a determined second-half comeback to defeat Oceano Kerkennah 2-1 in the Tunisian Professional League 2 on October 3, 2026. After falling behind early, the home side responded with two goals after the break to secure a valuable win.

The match had the feel of a coastal derby, with Oceano Kerkennah arriving organized and confident. They took a surprise lead in the first half, but Mahdia's persistence and improved tempo after half-time turned the game around.

Match Overview

Oceano Kerkennah started the brighter of the two sides, pressing Mahdia's defenders and disrupting their rhythm. That approach paid off in the 19th minute when Sami Khelifi found space on the edge of the box and fired a low shot into the net. Mahdia were stunned but gradually settled, controlling possession without creating clear chances before the interval.

The second half was a different story. E. M. Mahdia pushed their wingers higher, moved the ball quicker, and began to stretch Oceano's defensive block. The equaliser arrived in the 58th minute, and the winner followed late as the visitors tired.

Key Moments

• 19th minute – 0-1: Sami Khelifi gave Oceano Kerkennah the lead with a well-struck effort from the edge of the area.
• 58th minute – 1-1: Aymen Ben Romdhane equalised for E. M. Mahdia with a composed finish after a flowing move.
• 84th minute – 2-1: Walid Jaziri scored the winner, turning in a cross at the near post to complete the comeback.
• 90+3rd minute: Oceano Kerkennah's last chance was headed wide as Mahdia held on.

Tactical Story

E. M. Mahdia struggled early against Oceano's high press, but their halftime adjustment made the difference. By pushing the full-backs forward and overloading the flanks, Mahdia forced Oceano's midfielders to defend deeper. That created space between the lines for Ben Romdhane and allowed Mahdia to deliver more crosses into the box.

Oceano Kerkennah defended resolutely for much of the second half, but their counter-attacks became less frequent as fatigue set in. Mahdia's substitutions added fresh energy, and the winning goal came from exactly the kind of wide delivery they had been building toward. Oceano will regret not holding their lead for longer.

Standout Players

Aymen Ben Romdhane was the catalyst for E. M. Mahdia, driving forward from midfield and scoring the equaliser. Walid Jaziri made the decisive impact, while the Mahdia goalkeeper made an important save late in the first half to keep the deficit at one. The home defence also improved significantly after the break.

For Oceano Kerkennah, Sami Khelifi was the standout performer with his goal and constant running. The goalkeeper made several saves to keep the visitors in front for as long as they were, but he could do little about the late winner.

League Impact

The three points are crucial for E. M. Mahdia in the Tunisian Professional League 2, maintaining their strong home record and boosting confidence for the weeks ahead. Oceano Kerkennah leave with a narrow defeat despite a promising start, and they will need to manage games better when protecting a lead. In a competitive league, this result could prove important in the battle for position and promotion momentum.