Algeria Cup: Former players star as JS Kabylie exit early

Billel Bensaha and Algerian goalkeeping legend Faouzi Chaouchi came back to bite their former team JS Kabylie on Friday in the Algeria Cup, with Bensaha scoring the only goal and Chaouchi saving a penalty as in-form Ligue 2 side USM El Harrach stunned JSK 1-0 in the Round of 32.

It was a worthy winner from Bensaha that arrived late in the first half as USMH extended their winning streak to seven matches in all competitions with the shock victory.

Currently third in the western region of Algeria’s second tier and in hot form, the possibility was high that the hosts were going to provide stiff resistance to one of the nation’s strongest and most popular clubs. Making the result even more surprising was that JS Kabylie utilized all of their star players for the occasion, with Aymen Mahious, Zineddine Belaid and Ryad Boudebouz all in the XI for the cup match.

But with players like Bensaha as well as Algerian goalkeeping legend Faouzi Chaouchi, now 41-years-old and a former JSK player himself, USMH showed their ambition with a strong first half performance that ended with Bensaha’s brilliant curled effort into the top corner past JSK keeper Gaya Merbah.

And the second division side needed Chaouchi’s experience for the second half which saw JS Kabylie hunt for an equalizer. Talented young forward Lahlou Akhrib appeared to level the match before the hour mark but was ruled offsides.

In the 73rd minute it was Chaouchi’s turn to be the star when a penalty kick was awarded in favor of JSK. The man who helped Algeria qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup came up with a massive kick save from Mahious’ spot kick to maintain his team’s lead. The keeper, who grew up in the Kabyle region and supported JSK before playing for them, remained steady to complete the upset victory for his current club.

The Round of 32 will continue over the weekend with defending champions USM Alger in action as well as MC Alger and CR Belouizdad. MCA will feature in the headline match on Saturday against fellow Ligue 1 side USM Khenchela. USMA will play Ligue 2 side MO Constantine on Sunday before CRB wrap up the Round of 32 against lower league opposition.

Algeria Cup: Round of 32 Results

JSM Bejaia 4-1 Wydad Adabi de Boufarik

Paradou AC 2-0 USF Constantine

CA Batna 5-1 ESM Kolea

Ain Kercha 0-2 ASM Oran

Amal Bou Saada 0-1 NA Hussein Dey

MB Barika 1-2 MC Saida

CS Constantine 3-0 CR Temouchent

FCB Frenda 0-1 ASO Chlef

Bechar Djedid 0-4 ES Setif

USM El Harrach 1-0 JS Kabylie