Algerian Cup Final: Historic First for RC Arbaâ and MO Béjaïa
A new chapter in Algerian football history will be written this Saturday as RC Arbaâ and MO Béjaïa face off in the 51st edition of the Algerian Cup final — the first in the history of both clubs. The clash at the iconic Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida promises to be a milestone event, with one of the two teams set to lift the trophy for the very first time.
For RC Arbaâ defender Hamza Zeddam, the stakes could not be higher. Speaking to El Watan, the experienced centre-back expressed the team’s focus and determination ahead of the final.
“We are ready and, above all, determined to take on the challenge,” said Zeddam. “It’s a historic final for Arbaâ, for RCA, and for most of the players who are appearing in their first Algerian Cup final. We’ve prepared very well this week and will do everything we can to bring home the club’s first title.”
RC Arbaâ will have to contend with some key absences for the big occasion. Playmaker Hocine Harrouche is suspended after receiving a four-match ban, while influential midfielder Billel Moumen is sidelined through injury. Despite these setbacks, Zeddam insists the team’s collective spirit remains unshaken.
“Of course Harrouche is a key player in our system, and his absence won’t go unnoticed. But RCA is a group effort. Whoever steps in will give their all. Our motivation and will to win will make the difference,” he explained.
Both clubs have taken different paths to this final, but they arrive on equal footing, with the pressure and excitement of potentially claiming a first major trophy. MO Béjaïa, like Arbaâ, will view this match as an opportunity to cement their place in Algerian football history.
Zeddam acknowledges the difficulty of the task ahead and believes the game could be decided by the smallest of margins.
“I think it will be a very difficult match and that we have equal chances of winning with MOB. This final could come down to a single detail — and the best-prepared side will take the trophy. But I have a feeling the Dame Coupe will choose us.”
With passionate fan bases behind them and history within reach, both RC Arbaâ and MO Béjaïa will take to the pitch on Saturday with one shared dream: to lift their first-ever Algerian Cup. For one team, the wait for silverware will finally be over.
