CS Constantine advances as Algerian Cup drama builds

The round of 32 in the Algerian Cup, running from 11 to 15 December, has already delivered strong stories, with two standout ties drawing the eye: MC Alger vs USM Khenchela, and USM El Harrach vs JS Kabylie.

On Thursday, CS Constantine made a statement at home, sweeping aside Ligue 2 promotion-chasers CR Témouchent 3-0 thanks to goals from Dib, Tahar and Mouaki. Paradou AC, in fine form with five straight wins in all competitions, avoided a cup upset by beating ambitious Inter-régions side US Faubourg de Constantine 2-0 through early strikes from Kermiche and Soukkou.

CA Batna crushed ESM Koléa 5-1 in the only all-Ligue 2 clash, while JSM Béjaia eased past Widad Boufarik 4-1. Away from home, NA Hussein Dey edged ABS Bousaada 1-0, MC Saïda won 2-1 at MBB Barika, and ASM Oran triumphed 2-0 in Aïn Kercha.

Friday’s big game sees in-form USMH, on five league wins in a row, host struggling JSK in a repeat of last season’s tie that Harrach won 1-0. ES Sétif visit US Béchar Djedid, while ASO Chlef face FCB Frenda.

Over the weekend, leaders MC Alger meet revived USM Khenchela, JS Saoura welcome AS Khroub, ES Ben Aknoun host ESF Bir El Ater, and USM Alger and CR Belouizdad face tricky cup tests against lower-tier opposition.