Three Ligue 1 Professionnelle clubs secured qualification for the quarterfinals this week in Algeria's Coupe d'Algérie with top clubs USM Alger and CR Belouizdad emerging as winners.
On Tuesday, USM edged Ligue 2 promotion contenders RC Kouba in a 1-0 victory. USMA, who continue to struggle with scoring goals, were forced to endure another close match that could have gone the way of less fancied RCK. However, a penalty kick from Riad Benayad in the 70th minute was all the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinalists needed.
CR Belouizdad also encountered some difficulty against a Ligue 2 club. US Chaouia opened the scoring inside six minutes but CRB striker Aymen Mahious restored parity before halftime. Mahious went on to complete a hat-trick in the second half before CRB put the match away late for a 4-2 victory.
In the other match on Tuesday, MC El Bayadh overcame fellow Ligue 1 side Olympique Akbou in a penalty shootout after playing to a 0-0 draw. The quarterfinal fixtures are now complete with USMA and CRB both set to face clubs outside the top flight once again. USMA will face Ligue 2 club CR Temouchent while CRB host third tier side MO Bejaia towards the end of March.
Quaterfinal fixtures
USM Harrach vs ES Mostaganem
MC El Bayadh vs ES Setif
CR Temouchent vs USM Alger
CR Belouizdad vs MO Bejaia
Comments