Andrew Olsson
January 16, 2026Algerian Cup: CR Belouizdad win to set up anticipated quarterfinal clash
Photo: Chabab Riadhi Belouizdad
Algerian Cup: CR Belouizdad win to set up anticipated quarterfinal clash
Five of the eight quarterfinal teams are now determined in the Algerian Cup following Friday’s action, where CR Belouizdad were among the clubs to advance from the Round of 16. Le Grand Chabab overcame second tier side ASM Oran after securing a 3-0 victory at home.
Mohamed Ben Hammouda was among the scorers for CRB, who went ahead inside five minutes on their way to a routine victory. The former Espérance de Tunis striker has now scored six goals in his last six matches after scoring the third goal with a powerful strike.
Now CRB will face Algiers rivals MC Alger in the quarterfinals, a match that could very well contain the eventual champions of this season’s cup. Defending champions USM Alger also remain in the competition after fighting off a firm challenge from second division club USM Harrach.
MC Alger advanced on Thursday with a 1-0 victory over fellow top division club ES Ben Aknoun. Ivorian attacker Kipre Zunon created the decisive goal with a quick run into the ESBA penalty area before his shot was directed into the goal by a defender.
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JS Saoura is the other top flight team that has advanced after defeating Ligue 1 relegation candidates ES Mostaganem. CA Batna, one of the top teams in the second division Ligue 2, are the only non-Ligue 1 club to advance to the quarterfinals at this point. CAB defeated Ligue 1 side Paradou AC in a penalty kick shootout following a thrilling 3-3 draw on Friday.
Three more matches from the Round of 16 will take place over the next two days. CS Constantine and ES Setif will clash in an all-Ligue 1 duel on Saturday while Ligue 1 club ASO Chlef face Ligue 2 side MC Saida. JSM Bejaïa, the only club remaining outside the top two divisions of Algerian football, will conclude the round when they host Ligue 2 side NA Hussein Dey on Sunday.
USM Alger are the defending champions after defeating CR Belouizdad 2-0 in last season’s Algerian Cup final.
