MASCARA, Algeria (Interstat) — RC Arbaa defeated GC Mascara 2-1 on Monday, May 11, 2026, in Week 17 of Algeria’s Ligue 2 at Stade Aoued Meflah.

Dominique Mendy opened the scoring for RC Arbaa in the 12th minute with a right-footed finish. Arthur Rezende doubled the visitors’ lead in the 36th minute, also with his right foot. GC Mascara pulled a goal back later in the match, but the identity of the scorer was not immediately available.

RC Arbaa improved to 1-0-0 in Ligue 2 play and across all competitions. GC Mascara dropped to 0-1-0 in both the league and overall competition.

The result gave RC Arbaa its first victory of the season under the management of its coaching staff, while GC Mascara suffered its first defeat in front of its home supporters. The match was played on a clear evening in Mascara, with moderate temperatures favorable for football.

RC Arbaa struck early when Mendy collected a pass inside the area and fired past the home goalkeeper. The goal came after a sustained period of possession by the visitors, who maintained pressure on the GC Mascara defense. Rezende’s goal before halftime gave RC Arbaa a two-goal cushion heading into the break.

GC Mascara responded with greater urgency in the second half, pushing forward and creating chances. The hosts finally found the net midway through the second period, cutting the deficit to one goal. Despite sustained pressure in the final minutes, GC Mascara could not find an equalizer as RC Arbaa’s defense held firm.

The match was physical, with several fouls and stoppages, though no yellow or red cards were reported. Both teams employed a 4-4-2 formation, with RC Arbaa focusing on counterattacks after taking the lead. GC Mascara controlled slightly more possession but could not convert that advantage into goals until late.

The victory marked the first meeting between the two sides in Ligue 2 this season. RC Arbaa’s roster included a mix of experienced veterans and younger players, while GC Mascara featured several local products from the Mascara region.

Attendance figures were not immediately available, but the stadium appeared well-populated by local fans supporting GC Mascara.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of RC Arbaâ 1, GC Mascara 0, while the ELO-based probability system had given GC Mascara a 65.30 percent chance of winning prior to kickoff. The actual result diverged from both projections, with RC Arbaa scoring twice and GC Mascara failing to secure an expected victory.

RC Arbaa will return to action next week, hosting its next Ligue 2 opponent. GC Mascara will travel for its following fixture, seeking its first win of the season. Both teams will aim to build on the lessons from this match as the league season progresses.

The game served as a reminder of the competitive nature of Algeria’s second division, where any team can prevail on a given day. RC Arbaa’s efficient finishing and defensive resilience proved decisive, while GC Mascara must now regroup and address its finishing in the attacking third.