In a thrilling Algerian Cup semifinal first leg match, JSM Béjaïa secured a 2-1 victory over ES Sétif, putting them in a strong position to reach the final. The match took place at ES Sétif's home ground, with the home team boasting eight Algerian Cup titles. However, JSM Béjaïa showed no signs of intimidation, delivering a high-quality performance that earned them a well-deserved win. The victory was met with jubilation from the JSM Béjaïa supporters, who are eager to see their team compete in a second Algerian Cup final, following their 2008 triumph.
The match began with a penalty awarded to ES Sétif, which was converted by Bouguelmouna but saved by the post. ES Sétif took the lead five minutes later, but JSM Béjaïa demonstrated superior control and composure, eventually equalizing through Niati's acrobatic goal in the 70th minute. The momentum shifted in favor of JSM Béjaïa, and two minutes before the end of the match, Baiteche scored the winning goal with a diving header, leaving the ES Sétif players demoralized.
The result puts JSM Béjaïa in a favorable position to advance to the Algerian Cup final, with the second leg scheduled for April 23 at Béjaïa. ES Sétif will need to win by a two-goal margin to progress, a challenging task against a confident JSM Béjaïa team. The JSM Béjaïa players, led by captain Belmessaoud, showed impressive skill and determination, creating opportunities to score a third goal but ultimately securing a vital two-goal advantage.
The other semifinal first leg match between CS Constantine and CR Belouizdad is set to take place on April 19 at 5:00 PM in Constantine. CS Constantine, eliminated from the African Champions League in the quarterfinals, will look to bounce back against CR Belouizdad, who are the only unbeaten team in the Algerian Ligue 1 since the start of the second phase.
CS Constantine, who have never won the Algerian Cup, will need to deliver a strong performance to overcome CR Belouizdad and approach the second leg with confidence. CR Belouizdad, focused on maintaining their top-flight status, will aim to repeat their 2017 Algerian Cup success, where they defeated ES Sétif 1-0 in extra time to claim their seventh title.
The second leg of the CR Belouizdad vs ES Sétif semifinal will take place on April 24 at 5:00 PM at the Stade du 20 août 1955 in Algiers. The teams will be eager to secure a spot in the Algerian Cup final, with JSM Béjaïa holding a significant advantage over ES Sétif.
Algerian football fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of the Algerian Cup semifinals, with both matches promising to be highly competitive. The teams will need to demonstrate their skills and determination to progress to the final, with JSM Béjaïa and CR Belouizdad currently holding the upper hand in their respective ties.
Key points
- JSM Béjaïa secured a 2-1 victory over ES Sétif in the Algerian Cup semifinal first leg.
- The second leg of the JSM Béjaïa vs ES Sétif semifinal will take place on April 23 at Béjaïa.
- CS Constantine will face CR Belouizdad in the other semifinal first leg match on April 19 in Constantine.
