ALGIERS, Algeria (Interstat) — Substitute Chems Eddine Bekkouche scored a dramatic 65th-minute winner to lift ES Ben Aknoun to a 2-1 victory over ASO Chlef in an Algerian Ligue 1 match on Friday.

The contest, played before a crowd at Stade du 20 Août 1955, saw the home side complete a season sweep of its opponent and solidify its position in the league table.

The game exploded to life from the opening whistle. Visiting forward Adil Djabout silenced the home supporters almost immediately, putting ASO Chlef ahead just one minute after kickoff. The early goal set a frantic pace, with Chlef looking to build on its stunning victory over USM Alger just five days prior.

ES Ben Aknoun, however, steadily grew into the match. The home side found its equalizer in first-half stoppage time. Forward Sidiki Mohamed Sylla netted in the 45th plus second minute, sending the teams into halftime level at 1-1 and shifting the momentum.

The second half was a tense, physical affair. Chlef midfielder Badis Bouamama received a yellow card in the 21st minute, and Ben Aknoun defender Chems-Eddine Lakehal was booked in the 85th. The decisive moment arrived midway through the half. Lakehal, the cautioned defender, turned provider, delivering the assist for Bekkouche’s late heroics. The substitute’s goal in the 65th minute proved to be the match-winner.

The result defied the pregame projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which had forecast a 1-1 draw. The service’s ELO rating system had given Ben Aknoun a 71.5% probability to win.

With the victory, ES Ben Aknoun improved its Ligue 1 record to nine wins, six losses and six draws this season. The club’s record across all competitions is identical. The loss leaves ASO Chlef with a league mark of seven wins, 11 losses and five draws, mirroring its overall record.

The match was a reversal of the teams’ earlier meeting this season on Nov. 9, 2025, which also ended in a 2-1 victory for ES Ben Aknoun.

ASO Chlef will look to rebound in its next league fixture when it hosts Oued Akbou on April 17. ES Ben Aknoun’s next scheduled match is at home against MC Alger on April 21.