Algeria Cup: Bayazid winner sends MC Alger to Round of 16

Soufiane Bayazid’s goal early in the second half was enough for MC Alger to qualify for the Round of 16 of the Algeria Cup with a 2-1 victory over USM Khenchela.

MCA have won the last two titles in Algeria’s Ligue 1 Professionnelle but a cup conquest has eluded them for almost ten years. However, the elimination of a couple of rivals has opened up an opportunity and Le Doyen did well to overcome a difficult opponent on Saturday.

Young forward Amine Messoussa confirmed a strong start for the hosts in the 6th minute. Receiving a pass from Kipre Zunon, Messoussa did excellently to dribble past a couple of Khenchela defenders before firing in a low finish to give his team the advantage.

Five minutes later, USMK responded to level the match. Catastrophic passing in the defense led to a turnover and Hamid Djaouchi made MC Alger pay, moving in before cleverly lifting his shot over advancing goalkeeper Abdelatif Ramdane.

But shortly after halftime, Bayazid put MC Alger for good. Messoussa was played in on goal with a pass from the midfield and the young forward unselfishly laid a pass over to provide Bayazid with a simple finish.

MCA join other Ligue 1 sides including Paradou AC, ASO Chlef, JS Saoura and CS Constantine in the Round of 16. Defending champions USM Alger will be in action on Sunday before CR Belouizdad finish up the Round of 32 on Monday against lower league opposition.