ALGIERS, Algeria (Interstat) — Sidiki Mohamed Sylla delivered a goal and an assist to power ES Ben Aknoun to a 2-1 comeback victory over MC Oran in an Algerian Ligue 1 match Saturday at Stade du 20 Août 1955.

The home side, which entered the match with a 61.90 percent probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, overcame an early deficit to secure three points and begin its league campaign with a win. The result defied the pregame simulation from Interstat, which had projected a 1-1 draw.

MC Oran struck first, silencing the home crowd in the 12th minute. The opening goal was crafted by midfielder Aziz Benabdi, who provided the assist for striker Sidiki Mohamed Sylla to finish from the right side, giving the visitors an early advantage.

The first half saw growing tension, culminating in a yellow card for Benabdi in the 40th minute for a foul that set up a pivotal moment. Just two minutes later, MC Oran doubled its lead. Substitute Abderrahmane Bourdim, who had just entered the fray, expertly curled a free kick past the goalkeeper to stun the home supporters and put his team ahead 2-0.

ES Ben Aknoun’s Abdelkader Tamimi received a yellow card in first-half stoppage time, but the home team emerged from the break with renewed purpose. The comeback began in the 73rd minute. Defender Islam Chahrour initiated the play, finding Sylla, who this time turned provider. Sylla’s pass set up fellow defender Abderrahmane Hachoud, who fired a left-footed shot into the net to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The goal ignited a frantic final period, marked by a flurry of disciplinary actions. Just five minutes after the goal, both Sylla and MC Oran substitute Ibrahim Hachoud were shown yellow cards following a heated confrontation. ES Ben Aknoun maintained its pressure and found the equalizer in the 84th minute. The play was sparked by substitute Ousmane Coumbassa, who earned an assist by setting up Abderrahmane Hachoud for his second goal of the game, a powerful header from close range that leveled the score.

The intensity continued as Coumbassa joined Tamimi and Chahrour in the referee’s book, receiving a yellow card in the 88th minute. Despite late pressure from MC Oran, ES Ben Aknoun’s defense held firm to preserve the draw and complete the two-goal comeback.

With the result, ES Ben Aknoun opens its Ligue 1 season with a win and a perfect record across all competitions. MC Oran begins its campaign with a loss in both the league and overall, having let a two-goal lead slip away on the road. The match featured six yellow cards in total, underscoring a competitive and physical contest between the two sides.