Coupe d’Algérie: USM Alger successfully defend title

USM Alger are once again the champions of the Coupe d’Algérie after defeating fellow Algiers giants Chabab Riadi Belouizdad 2-1 in Thursday’s final at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki.

In a rematch of last season’s cup final, a brilliant first half from the defending champions allowed them to retain their title. Ivorian striker Dramane Kamagaté opened the scoring with a poacher’s strike in the 22nd minute before Ahmed Khaldi doubled the lead before halftime to deliver a crushing blow to CRB. Les Chababistes rallied in the second half but it was not enough to overturn a decisive first half.

Excellent first half delivers another Coupe d’Algérie for USMA

USMA, who have endured a difficult league campaign while thriving in the cup and the ongoing CAF Confederation Cup, seized control of the first half and their attack produced on a massive occasion. Khaldi timed his pass perfectly to find Kamagaté and the Ivorian finished past CRB goalkeeper Farid Chaâl.

It appeared that Kamagaté may have been offside but a television replay confirmed that the timing was perfect on the Ivorian’s run as well as Khaldi’s pass.

The momentum continued for USMA, who needed a victory to confirm qualification for next season’s Confederation Cup.

Just before halftime, it was Khaldi who provided the second goal with excellent work from goal scorer Kamagaté. The striker received a pass behind the defense on the left wing and his initial shot was blocked by Chaâl. Recovering the ball, Kamagaté laid a pass back to Brahim Benzaza who set up Khaldi in the penalty area. After an excellent first touch, Khaldi fired a low shot past Chaâl.

With all the momentum in favor of USMA, it was a long way back for CRB. An improved effort brought them back into the match when Younes Ouassa cut the deficit in half.

The defender leaped highest to get on the end of a free kick from Abdelraouf Benguit and his powerful header beat USMA goalkeeper Oussama Benbot.

But the defending champions utilized their strong defense to finish the job. CRB failed to solve the puzzle and opportunities were limited for the final half hour, leaving Les Usmistes dancing in delight when the full time whistle arrived.

It is the 10th cup trimph for USMA, who lived up to their reputation as excellent performers in the competition. Despite their difficulties in the league, where they currently sit in 12th place on the Algeria Ligue 1 Professionnelle table, the result is a massive boost with the CAF Confederation Cup final ahead in less than two weeks.

 

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USMA will face Egyptian giants Zamalek in the final of the continental competition, with the first leg at home on May 9 followed by the second leg in Egypt on May 16. They will also look to move up the table in domestic action with games in hand to make up during a busy period.

For CR Belouizdad, they must regain their focus with only league matches remaining. They currently sit in 6th place on the Ligue 1 table, but are favorites to qualify for either the Confederation Cup or the CAF Champions League next season if they can take advantage of the games in hand they have on the teams above them. MC Alger clinched the league title earlier this week.