Algeria Cup: USM Algiers are the first to qualify for the quarter-finals

USMA qualified for the quarter-finals of the Algerian Male Football Cup, after defeating USM El Harrach by three goals to two.

The match, which was refereed by referee Youssef Bouderbal, was held at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki on Monday evening.

The crowd attendance was limited to the host team, Ittihad El Harrach, as yellow and black colors covered most of the stadium’s stands.

Strong and enjoyable performance from both sides

The first half was dominated by attacking play, as both sides focused on quick transitions from defense to attack while recovering the ball.

The defending champion was able to open the scoring early through Haitham Loussif.

The trio of Loussif, Ahmed Khalidi and Houssam Eddine Ghesha led a counterattack after the poor execution of a corner kick by Bilal Ben Saha.

The host team, Ittihad El Harrach, threw all its weight into adjusting the result, leaving large spaces for the sons of Soustara, especially in the midfield.

Yellow succeeded in achieving its goal as the match reached the 22nd minute.

Youssef Basho was able to take advantage of a mistake committed by key defender Adam Alilat, after he mistakenly returned the ball to goalkeeper Kamal Sufi.

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The two federations maintained the same offensive pattern in the second half, which increased the fun of the match.

Coach Abdelhak Ben Sheikha’s squad returned to progress again, thanks to great work done by the two most dangerous players, Ghesha and Khalidi.

The former Constantine Sports Club player gave an assist to Congolese Glodie Lekunza in the second goal in the 70th minute.

Elias Chetti almost scored the third goal had it not been for the intervention of defender Harachi Haddou from the goal line.

That opportunity was the turning point of the match, as Ittihad El Harrach woke up in the final minutes and was able to equalize with a header by substitute Elias Chouki in the 89th minute.

The Harrachians showed a decline in their physical level in the two extra halves, paving the way for Al-Ittihad to control the ball.

As a result, some opportunities were available to the teammates of the brilliant Ghesha, the latter converting one of them into a goal that granted a qualification visa to the champion of the previous edition.