Kohili double delivers Algeria’s second Mediterranean Games football gold

Algeria beat Tunisia 2-0 in the football final of the Mediterranean Games 2026 to claim the gold medal at the Iacovone Stadium in Taranto, Italy, on Sunday.

Brahim Hemdani’s side made the ideal start, taking the lead after just 38 seconds through MC Alger centre-forward Benahmed Kohili. The 21-year-old caught Tunisia goalkeeper Rayan Besbes of US Monastir by surprise with a long-range effort that bounced awkwardly before finding the net.

Tunisia were given a warning of the threat Algeria posed when Mohamed Bouderbala of USM Alger came close to adding a second in the 20th minute. His header beat Besbes but struck the crossbar, leaving Tunisia within reach of a possible comeback.

Mohamed Yasine Chaabani of ES Sahel appeared to level the contest in the 38th minute, but the goal was ruled out. The officials judged that the ball had gone out of play before Walid Dhouib, who is without a club, supplied the cut-back for Chaabani.

Algeria remained the more dangerous side and eventually secured the result with a second goal from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute. Kohili converted the spot-kick to complete his brace and take his total for the tournament to five goals.

That goal strengthened Kohili’s position as the leading scorer in the competition. Tunisia goalkeeper Besbes prevented the deficit from becoming greater again in the closing stages, saving from Salah Eddine Bouziani of USM Alger in the 89th minute.

The victory gave Algeria their second football gold medal in the history of the Mediterranean Games. Their first success in the event came in 1975, meaning they had waited 51 years to claim another title.

Tunisia had to settle for the silver medal after being held at arm’s length for most of the final. Algeria’s quick opening strike, combined with Kohili’s decisive penalty late in the match, ensured Hemdani’s team could celebrate a comprehensive win.

The result also underlined the importance of Kohili to Algeria’s campaign. His early finish established the advantage, while his second goal removed any prospect of a late Tunisian revival and completed a personal two-goal performance in the final.