The Association sportive d’Aïn M’lila (ASAM) will host the Jeunesse sportive de Kabylie (JSK) at the Stade Khelifi Zoubir Touhami today at 2:00 PM local time, in the 32nd finals of the Algerian Cup. Both teams, currently competing in Ligue 1, are determined to progress further in the competition. ASAM, with 19 points in the league, aims to repeat their 1992 feat of reaching the final.
ASAM has a strong home record this season, having not lost any of their league matches at home. The team is looking to extend this run against JSK, despite the recent departure of their coach, Aït Djoudi. The home team's players are focused on securing a win and qualification for the next round. Their opponents, JSK, are also seeking to advance in the cup and prepare for their upcoming Ligue des champions match against Raja.
JSK's goalkeeper, Benbot, emphasized the importance of the match, acknowledging that ASAM performs well at home. However, Benbot expressed confidence in his team's preparation and determination to secure a positive result. He noted that the team is aware of the challenges ahead but will strive to qualify for the next round and prepare for their Ligue des champions match against Raja with a boost in morale.
JSK will be without several key players, including defender Tizi Bouali, who is still recovering from a knee injury, and attacker Hamroun, who is being rested for the Raja match. Additionally, midfielder Benchaira has been allowed to miss the match, while Bencherifa is also unavailable. Despite these absences, JSK's coach, Velud, is expected to make necessary adjustments to the team to pursue qualification.
In another 32nd finals match, USM Alger will face USM Khenchela at 4:00 PM local time at the Stade Omar Hammadi. The 16th finals have also begun, with three matches scheduled for today. One of the most notable matches is between CS Constantine (CSC) and JS Saoura, both Ligue 1 teams. CSC, after eliminating NC Magra 4-1 in the previous round, will look to overcome JS Saoura, which won 3-0 against DRB Tadjenanet.
The match between RC Arbaâ (Ligue 2) and NA Husseïn-Dey (Ligue 1) is another 16th finals fixture. Although RC Arbaâ has the advantage of playing at home, NA Husseïn-Dey will look to cause an upset. Meanwhile, CSA Marsa (Régionale 2), considered the "petit poucet" (underdog) of the competition, will host US Biskra (Ligue 1). CSA Marsa's coach, Benhamacha Samir, expressed confidence in his team's preparation and motivation to cause another upset.
Benhamacha Samir highlighted the difficulty of the match against US Biskra, a team that practices a beautiful style of football. However, he emphasized that his team is determined to find a way to secure qualification for the next round. The CSA Marsa players are motivated by their recent qualification and are counting on the support of their fans to overcome the Ligue 1 team.
Key points
- ASAM and JSK face off in the Algerian Cup 32nd finals today.
- JSK will be without several key players due to injuries and rest.
- CSA Marsa, a Regionale 2 team, aims to cause an upset against Ligue 1 team US Biskra.
