Algeria Cup: MC Alger and USM Alger narrowly advance

The Algeria Cup is in the midst of the Round of 64 and on Thursday, three of the nation’s top clubs advanced as MC Alger, USM Alger and JS Kabylie won.

Oussama Benhaoua scored the only goal for reigning Algeria Ligue 1 Professionnelle champions MC Alger in a 1-0 victory over the last place team in the top flight, MC El Bayadh. The champions of the last two editions of the league, MCA exited the cup at the Round of 32 stage last season and will be eager to compete for more silverware this season.

Defending cup champions USM Alger did not have a particularly easy time in their match either. After being held to a 0-0 draw by second tier side NC Magra, USMA managed to keep their composure and convert all five of their penalty kicks in the ensuing shootout to advance.

CR Belouizdad also had to work hard on Wednesday, requiring extra time to defeat second division side Oued Fodda 2-1. Star winger Abderrahmane Meziane saved CRB with a goal in the opening minute of extra time to spare his club’s blushes.

JS Kabylie had the easiest time out of all of Algeria’s top clubs, thrashing third division side MB Hassi Messaoud by a 7-0 score. The non-professional visitors were no match for a JSK side that featured many starters, with Ayman Mahious and Billel Messaoudi among the scorers in a match that was 5-0 in favor of JSK by halftime.

The most notable upset this week arraived on Thursday when second tier side AS Khroub defeated Ligue 1 club Olympique Akbou by a 2-0 score.

The Round of 64 will continue on over the next couple of days until finishing up on Saturday.