ES Ben Aknoun vs MC Oran on 24 January
On January 24th, all eyes will be on the Stade Omar Hamadi in Algiers as ES Ben Aknoun hosts MC Oran in what promises to be a high-octane encounter in Algeria’s Ligue 1. With both teams vying for crucial points in the race for mid-table stability, the stakes are undeniably high. A win for either side could provide a significant boost to their season’s ambitions, while a loss would further complicate their standings. The atmosphere is set to be electric, and with the temperature expected to hover around 12°C, conditions are likely to play a role in the tactical battle that will unfold on the pitch.
ES Ben Aknoun: Tactical Approach and Current Form
ES Ben Aknoun enters this match with a solid foundation, having produced mixed results in their last five games. They’ve been resilient defensively but struggled at times to break down opposition sides. In their last five matches, they’ve recorded two wins, two losses, and one draw, highlighting their inconsistency. The tactical setup under coach Nabil Kouki has predominantly featured a 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on maintaining defensive shape and looking to transition quickly through the flanks. Their average possession in the final third stands at 39.6%, indicating that they prefer to absorb pressure and exploit counter-attacks, particularly down the wings. They rank 5th in xG (expected goals) in the league, showing that they are capable of creating high-quality chances, but they’ve often fallen short in converting them.
One of the standout players for Ben Aknoun has been their experienced playmaker, Farouk Chafai, whose ability to dictate tempo in midfield is crucial to their counter-attacking play. However, Chafai’s form has been a bit erratic in recent weeks, and if he’s off his game, Ben Aknoun’s creativity in the final third could be compromised. Defensively, they’ve relied heavily on the solid center-back pairing of Hichem M’naouer and Yassine Bahloul, who have been instrumental in nullifying opposition threats. A key concern for Ben Aknoun is the absence of left-back Mohamed Saad, who has been suspended for this match. His absence could force a tactical reshuffle, especially in terms of their build-up play from the back.
MC Oran: Tactical Approach and Current Form
MC Oran, on the other hand, are coming into this match with a strong recent record. Their last five games have seen them pick up three wins, one draw, and one loss, with a noticeable improvement in their attacking output. Coach Mohamed Kheiraoui’s men have been operating with a 4-4-2 formation that prioritizes width and direct attacking play. They rank 4th in possession in the final third (41.2%) and have shown a particular proficiency in exploiting spaces on the counter-attack. The partnership of forward Walid Derrardja and Algerian international Mohamed Amine Azzouz has been instrumental in MC Oran’s recent success. Derrardja’s ability to drop deep and link play, combined with Azzouz’s clinical finishing, makes them a dangerous duo that can exploit Ben Aknoun’s defensive gaps.
MC Oran’s high pressing game has also been a major factor in their improved performances. Their press begins as high as the opposition’s final third, and with an average of 21 pressing actions per game, they force mistakes that can quickly be turned into scoring opportunities. However, they are not without their issues. Oran has been susceptible to conceding goals from set-pieces, and their defensive midfielder, Ayoub El Amrani, is currently out due to injury, which will place extra responsibility on the likes of Zinedine El Ouafi to disrupt Ben Aknoun’s counter-attacks and control the tempo in the middle of the park.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In recent years, the fixture between ES Ben Aknoun and MC Oran has been a hard-fought affair, with both sides alternating victories. Last season, they drew 1-1 at Ben Aknoun’s home ground, and Oran emerged victorious 2-1 in their most recent meeting in the 2025-26 season. These encounters have often been tight, with little to separate the two teams. Historically, matches between these sides have been marked by tactical battles, with Oran’s pressing contrasting with Ben Aknoun’s more measured build-up play. This season’s fixture is likely to continue in that vein, with the outcome hinging on which team can impose their tactical philosophy on the match. The psychological edge could lie with MC Oran, who have been more consistent of late, but Ben Aknoun will be keen to defend their home turf.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The most decisive battle in this fixture will likely occur in midfield, where both teams’ tempo and creativity will be tested. The duel between ES Ben Aknoun’s Farouk Chafai and MC Oran’s Zinedine El Ouafi will be crucial. Chafai’s ability to control the tempo in possession is key for Ben Aknoun, but he will need to be mindful of El Ouafi’s ability to disrupt play and break up attacks. If El Ouafi can effectively nullify Chafai’s influence, it could significantly limit Ben Aknoun’s attacking output.
Another key battle will be on the wings, where Ben Aknoun’s wingers will need to test Oran’s full-backs, particularly in the absence of Ayoub El Amrani. The wide areas could be an area where Ben Aknoun can exploit Oran’s defensive frailties, especially in transition. The individual duels between the wingers and full-backs will be crucial in determining which team can create the most dangerous crosses and cutbacks into the penalty area.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The match is likely to unfold with ES Ben Aknoun looking to control possession and gradually build up play from the back, while MC Oran will look to disrupt their rhythm through high pressing and rapid counters. Ben Aknoun’s best chance of success will be through their wide play and quick transitions, while Oran will rely on their press and the clinical finishing of Derrardja and Azzouz to capitalize on any defensive mistakes. The absence of Mohamed Saad and Ayoub El Amrani will undoubtedly have an impact, but Oran’s pressing could prove to be the deciding factor in this one. Expect a closely contested match with plenty of tactical nuances. My prediction is a narrow 2-1 victory for MC Oran, with both teams likely to find the back of the net.
Final Thoughts
The clash between ES Ben Aknoun and MC Oran is shaping up to be a fascinating tactical contest. With both teams in need of a win to strengthen their position in the league, the match will hinge on which side can impose their game plan most effectively. Will Ben Aknoun’s counter-attacks prove too much for Oran’s high press, or will the visitors’ pressing game and attacking duo shine through? This encounter will answer these questions and could set the tone for the rest of the season.
