The Round of 64 stage of the Algerian Cup is complete and there were no notable surprises among the many matches that pitted Algeria Ligue 1 Professionnelle clubs against Ligue 2 and lower division teams.
Defending champions CR Belouizdad concluded the round on Tuesday with a 1-0 victory over third tier club CR Zaouia. The current leaders of their regional division in the third division of Algerian football, CRZ fell to a first half strike from Hedy Chaabi. The French-born winger was in the right place to finish an easy goal after an initial effort from Mohamed Belkhir was spilled into Chaabi's path for his first goal in Algerian football.
The most controversial moment came after JS Kabylie defeated third tier club ES Guelma by a 2-0 score when head coach Abdelhak Benchikha suddently departed. Based on JSK's statement published on social media, it was an acrimonious end as the club criticized Benchikha for leaking the news to media before sending an email to the club.
Video: ES Guelma 0-2 JS Kabylie highlights
Elsewhere, ES Sétif defeated Ligue 2 club MC El Eulma by a 2-0 score while Paradou AC and US Biskra also added to the undefeated record of Ligue 1 sides in the round. Top division clubs MC Oran and NC Magra were forced to play extra time but eventually prevailed to prevent any shock results. Earlier, MC Alger won the opening match of the round before the new year and JS Saoura defeated fellow Ligue 1 club Khenchela.
Video: Sendjas 1-3 Paradou AC highlights
Notable Results
MC El Eulma 0-2 ES Sétif
US Biskra 1-0 SC Mecheria
Sendjas 1-3 Paradou AC
Bechar Djedid 2-3 MC Oran (AET)
NC Magra 1-0 Rouisset
ES Guelma 0-2 JS Kabylie
JS Saoura 2-1 Khenchela (AET)
Ben Aknoun 0-3 MC Alger
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