Algeria’s Coupe de la Ligue wrapped up on Tuesday with JS Kabylie winning a dramatic final match against NC Magra, drawing 2-2 after extra time before taking the trophy with a 4-1 penalty kick shootout win. Magra are still struggling to fully escape the Ligue 1 relegation battle, but their cup run included a couple of notable scalps on the way to the final and they nearly claimed JSK’s as well. Akram Demane’s 12th minute first time blast from a cross opened up the scoring for the less fancied Magra side and increased the suspense of the match.
Shortly before halftime Kouceila Boualia equalized for JSK when Mohamed Benchaira made an excellent run, cutting inside from the left wing before slotting a nifty through ball to Boualia for the finish. The second half went by without a goal from either team, setting up a dramatic extra time period. A 93rd minute header put Magra up once again and with time running out late in the extra session, it appeared the upset was on the cards. A desperate long ball in the final minute, however, found Ali Haroun and the forward turned and shot past the Magra keeper for a dramatic late tying goal.
The penalty kick shootout contained much less drama as JSK executed their spot kicks with composure while Magra could only convert one, leading to a cup trophy for the team who came up just short earlier this season in the CAF Confederation Cup final. Highlights of the match are below.
