MC Oran and USM Alger Play Out Thrilling 2-2 Draw in Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1

On the night of June 7, 2026, MC Oran hosted USM Alger at the Stade Ahmed Zabana in a fiercely contested Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 encounter. The match ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw, a result that kept both sides locked in the upper half of the table and provided fans with a showcase of attacking football, defensive resilience, and late drama.

The opening exchanges were cautious, with both midfields vying for control. USM Alger, known for their technical precision, began to assert dominance through their creative playmaker. However, it was MC Oran who struck first in the 23rd minute. A swift counterattack saw winger Benzineb cut inside from the left flank and unleash a curling shot that beat the USM Alger goalkeeper at his near post. The home crowd erupted as Oran took a 1-0 lead.

First-Half Tactical Battle

USM Alger responded with increased urgency. Their midfield trio, led by captain Bouguerra, began to find gaps in Oran’s defensive lines. By the 35th minute, Alger equalized through a well-worked set piece. A corner kick was flicked on at the near post, and center-back Belkhir rose highest to head the ball into the bottom corner. The goal was a testament to USM Alger’s aerial strength and tactical preparation. The first half ended at 1-1, with both teams trading chances but unable to break the deadlock further.

Second-Half Intensity and Late Twists

The second half saw a more open contest. MC Oran came out with renewed energy, pressing high and forcing errors from the USM defense. In the 58th minute, Oran regained the lead. A defensive mix‑up between the USM goalkeeper and his center‑back gifted the ball to Oran striker Fekih, who calmly slotted home from 12 yards out. The goal put Oran 2-1 ahead and seemed to swing the momentum in their favor.

USM Alger, however, refused to wilt. Their manager made decisive substitutions, introducing fresh legs on the flanks. With ten minutes remaining, Alger mounted sustained pressure. In the 83rd minute, a fast break down the right wing ended with a low cross that found substitute Belaid at the far post. His first‑time shot beat the Oran goalkeeper and restored parity at 2-2. The final minutes saw both teams push for a winner, but solid goalkeeping and last‑ditch clearances ensured the spoils were shared.

Standout Performers and Season Impact

• MC Oran’s Benzineb: His goal and constant threat on the wing made him a handful for the USM defense.
• USM Alger’s Belkhir: Dominant in the air and crucial with the equalizing header, he anchored the backline under pressure.
• Belaid: The super‑sub’s late goal kept USM Alger’s unbeaten run alive.

The draw leaves both teams in the thick of the Ligue Professionnelle 1 standings. MC Oran remain in the top four, eyeing a CAF Confederation Cup spot, while USM Alger continue their push for the league title. With the season entering its final stretch, every point matters, and this entertaining draw could prove decisive in the race for continental qualification.

Match date: June 7, 2026 – Kickoff: 01:00 local time.