Coupe d'Algérie: CR Belouizdad and USM Alger on track for a final showdown

USM Alger supporters liven up the atmosphere during an easy victory on Thursday. Photo Credit: USM Alger

As expected, Algiers giants USM Alger and CR Belouizdad overcame second tier opposition to confirm their places in the semifinals of the Coupe d'Algérie.

On Thursday, USMA stomped to a 5-0 victory over CR Temouchent. It was an opportunity for USMA coach Marcos Paquetá to rotate the squad and a couple players made strong impressions against the mid-table Ligue 2 club. Ahmed Khaldi (video below) and youth academy product Mohamed Benmazouz each score two goals in the victory.

For the fourth time this season in the cup, USMA will face a Ligue 2 club in the semifinals after USM Harrach defeated Ligue 1 relegation battlers ES Mostaganem in a penalty shootout after playing to a 1-1 draw.

CR Belouizdad had a much less easier time against MO Béjaïa but Khanyisa Mayo's goal early in the second half was enough for CRB. The former Cape Town City star placed his effort well into the top corner to set up a clash with fellow Ligue 1 side MC El Bayadh, who also advanced by a 1-0 score over ES Sétif.

The semifinal dates will be determined at a later date. CR Belouizdad return to domestic league action next weekend while USM Alger travel to fellow Algerian club CS Constantine for the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal clash.