Algeria Cup: USMA avoids upset with extra time victory over USM El Harrach

USM Alger (USMA) advanced to the quarterfinals of the Algeria Cup on Monday with a 3-2 victory after extra time over second division side USM El Harrach.

After taking down JS Kabylie in the Round of 32, USMH was eager to slay another dragon of Algerian football. However, following a late equalizer to send the match into extra time, it was Algeria Ligue 1 Professionnelle side USMA who kept their composure to advance courtesy of Houssem Ghacha’s strike in the 101st minute.

Haitham Loucif opened the scoring in the 6th minute for USMA but the hosts had a response for each goal. Youcef Bechou’s brave finish leveled the match in the 21st minute to leave the teams at 1-1 by halftime.

Former TP Mazembe midfielder Glody Likonza restored the lead for the first division side but in the 89th minute, Ayoub Chouki sent the home support into delirium when he headed in from a free kick to restore parity again. However, the final blow was struck by Les Usmistes when Ghacha’s darting run led to a powerful finish past former Algeria national team goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi for the winning goal.

 

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The Round of 16 will continue over the next several days. On Tuesday, MC Alger will face fellow top flight side ES Ben Aknoun before the round finishes up on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.