l’USMA donne rendez-vous au CRB pour une finale passionnante
Summary: USM Alger Advances to Algerian Cup Final
In a dramatic showdown, USM Alger secured their spot in the 2024-2025 Algerian Cup final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over USM El-Harrach. The decisive match took place on Tuesday at the Olympique Stadium of July 5 in Algiers, with the outcome only being determined after extra time, as the teams were deadlocked at 0-0 at the end of regulation.
The match attracted over 50,000 fervent fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The first half was competitive, with both teams attempting to gain the upper hand without yielding any goals. After the break, USM Alger became more offensive. Despite their increased pressure, the Harrach defense held firm, with goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi largely untested. However, USM Alger’s inability to convert scoring opportunities was evident, as demonstrated by Burundian forward Caleb’s missed chance in the 80th minute.
The intensity ramped up in the extra time, during which USM Alger took control of the game. Their perseverance paid off when captain Adem Alilet scored the only goal by converting a penalty kick in the 106th minute. The penalty was awarded following a review by the video assistant referee (VAR) for a foul in the box.
USM El-Harrach pushed back vigorously in the second half of extra time, seeking an equalizer but couldn’t break through. USM Alger maintained their lead until the final whistle, although Alilet was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle deep in supplementary time.
This marks USM Alger’s return to the final for the first time since 2013, where they previously triumphed over their city rivals, MC Alger, with a narrow 1-0. In the earlier semifinal, CR Belouizdad, the defending champions, progressed to the final by narrowly defeating MC El-Bayadh 1-0, with Abderrahmane Meziane netting the only goal shortly after halftime.
With a record nine trophies, CR Belouizdad will be appearing in their fourth consecutive final, having won in 2019 against JSM El Eulma, lost in 2023 to ASO Chlef, and achieved victory again in 2024 against MC Alger. Historically, CRB holds the upper hand in past finals against USM Alger with three titles compared to USMA’s two.
Semifinal Results:
- CR Belouizdad (defending champion) defeated MC El-Bayadh 1-0.
- USM Alger outlasted USM El-Harrach 1-0 (after extra time).
