USM Alger secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Algerian Cup with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over USM El Harrach after extra time. The match, which kicked off the Round of 16, was played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, Algiers.
The game was a thrilling encounter, with USM Alger taking the lead early through Loucif in the 6th minute. USM El Harrach responded with an equalizer from Bechou in the 21st minute. Lekounza restored USM Alger’s lead in the 71st minute, but Chouki leveled the score for USM El Harrach just before the end of regular time in the 89th minute, sending the match into extra time.
Ghacha ultimately secured the win for USM Alger with a goal in the 101st minute of extra time.
The Round of 16 continues today with another Algiers derby, as league leaders MC Alger face off against NA Ben Aknoun at the Ali Ammar Stadium in Douera. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00.
The remaining Round of 16 fixtures are as follows:
Tuesday, January 13, 2026:
19:00: MC Alger vs. NA Ben Aknoun
Thursday, January 15, 2026:
14:00: CA Batna vs. Paradou AC
16:00: ES Mostaganem vs. JS Saoura
19:00: CR Belouizdad vs. ASM Oran
Friday, January 16, 2026:
16:00: AS Chlef vs. MC Saida
16:00: CS Constantine vs. ES Setif
Saturday, January 17, 2026:
14:00: JSM Bejaia vs. NA Hussein Dey
