CHLEF, Algeria (Interstat) — Substitute Oussama Bentaleb scored the game’s only goal in the 30th minute to lift visiting Saoura to a 1-0 victory over ASO Chlef in an Algerian Ligue 1 match on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Stade Mohamed Boumezrag.

The result defied pre-match projections, which heavily favored the home side. According to Interstat’s ELO system, ASO Chlef entered the contest with a 59.20 percent probability to win. The organization’s game simulator had predicted a 1-1 draw.

Instead, a decisive moment just before halftime proved the difference. Bentaleb, introduced from the bench, found the net with a left-footed finish to break the deadlock. The goal was assisted by fellow substitute Riyane Akacem, who was later shown a yellow card in the 84th minute. Another substitute, Khaled Mounir Allaoui, was also credited with an assist on the play and received a yellow card in the 90th minute.

The solitary goal stood despite a full second half of play, handing Saoura a winning start to their league campaign. The club begins the Ligue 1 season with a record of one win and no losses. Across all competitions, Saoura’s record also stands at one win and no losses.

For ASO Chlef, the defeat marks a disappointing opening to their domestic season. The home side failed to capitalize on its favored status and was held scoreless in front of its supporters. ASO Chlef’s Ligue 1 record falls to no wins and one loss, mirroring its overall record across all competitions.

The match was characterized by a lack of offensive fireworks, with Bentaleb’s strike representing one of the few clear chances. The disciplinary actions were reserved for the latter stages, with both of Saoura’s goal contributors, Akacem and Allaoui, entering the referee’s book as the visitors worked to secure the result.

The victory provides Saoura with three critical points on the road early in the season, while ASO Chlef is left to regroup after a performance that fell short of statistical expectations. Both teams will continue their Ligue 1 schedules next week.