The 32nd finals of the Algerian Cup took place recently, with most top-tier teams advancing to the next round. The highly anticipated match between ES Sétif and JSM Béjaïa lived up to expectations, with both teams evenly matched and ultimately decided by a penalty shootout. ES Sétif goalkeeper Khedairia made crucial saves, helping his team win 8-7 in the shootout. Despite the loss, JSM Béjaïa's performance earned praise from fans and coach Moes Bouakaz.
Coach Moes Bouakaz expressed pride in his team's performance, stating that they had nothing to be ashamed of against a top-tier opponent. He acknowledged that the team had aimed to replicate their previous season's success but were eliminated due to the penalty shootout. Bouakaz emphasized that the team would regroup and focus on their league performance, particularly their struggle for survival in Ligue 2. The team's fans also showed appreciation for their team's effort, acknowledging that they had given their all.
Other matches saw top-tier teams dominate, with MC Oran, Paradou AC, ASO Chlef, and NA Hussein Dey all advancing to the next round. MC Oran thrashed MJ Arzew 6-1, while Paradou AC defeated FC Bir el Arch 5-0. ASO Chlef beat US Béni Douala 6-1, and NA Hussein Dey edged past AS Sabath 1-3. These results reflected the expected hierarchy, with top teams demonstrating their superiority.
A notable upset occurred in Oran, where AS Marsa, a Régionale 2 team, eliminated E. Sour Ghozlane from the Inter-Régions division 2-0. This unexpected result highlighted the competitiveness of the Algerian Cup. Meanwhile, US Béni Douala's struggles continued as they were humiliated 6-1 by ASO Chlef. Despite a late consolation goal, the team's elimination was a harsh reality check.
The loss was particularly disappointing for US Béni Douala, who now face a tough challenge in the league. With 12 points and 10 points behind the sixth-placed team, they must work hard to get back on track. Coach Samir Zaoui's team will need to regroup and refocus on their league campaign. In contrast, ASO Chlef's convincing win boosted their confidence ahead of the next round.
Two teams from Bouira, IB Lakhdaria and E Sour El Ghozlane, were eliminated in the 32nd finals. IB Lakhdaria lost to MC El Bayedh in a penalty shootout, while E Sour El Ghozlane was defeated 2-0 by AS Marsa. Both teams will now focus on their league performances, with IB Lakhdaria seeking to secure one of the six promotion spots and E Sour El Ghozlane aiming to build on their winter champion status.
The Algerian Cup's 32nd finals produced some exciting matches and notable upsets. As the competition progresses, teams will need to be at their best to advance. The eliminated teams, including JSM Béjaïa, US Béni Douala, IB Lakhdaria, and E Sour El Ghozlane, will now shift their attention to their league campaigns, seeking to achieve their respective goals.
Key points
- - JSM Béjaïa exited the Algerian Cup with honor after losing to ES Sétif in a penalty shootout. - Top-tier teams dominated the 32nd finals, with MC Oran, Paradou AC, ASO Chlef, and NA Hussein Dey advancing to the next round. - AS Marsa, a Régionale 2 team, pulled off a notable upset by eliminating E. Sour Ghozlane 2-0.
