RC Arbaâ Prepare for Historic Algerian Cup Final Amidst Setbacks
RC Arbaâ are gearing up for a landmark moment in the club’s history as they prepare to contest their first-ever Algerian Cup final. The showdown against MO Béjaïa is set for Saturday at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, with both sides seeking to lift the trophy for the first time.
In the build-up to the final, RC Arbaâ’s management has launched an early training camp aimed at restoring focus and morale within the squad. The decision came in the aftermath of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to NA Hussein Dey in the 26th round of the Algerian Ligue 1—a loss that coach Mohamed Mihoubi believes disrupted the team’s momentum at a crucial stage.
The setback was compounded by the red card shown to playmaker Hocine Harrouche during that league encounter, ruling him out of Saturday’s final. His absence is a significant blow, as Harrouche has been a key creative outlet throughout Arbaâ’s Cup campaign.
Despite the challenges, the mood in the camp remains hopeful. Team captain Hamza Zeddam and his teammates resumed training immediately following a short rest day, with the club’s focus squarely on writing a new chapter in their modest history.
RC Arbaâ booked their place in the final after a tense semi-final clash against ASO Chlef, which ended 0-0 before Arbaâ prevailed 3-0 on penalties. Their opponents, MO Béjaïa, advanced after a dramatic shootout win over reigning champions ES Sétif (1-1, 6-5 on penalties).
With both clubs vying for a maiden Cup title, Saturday’s final promises to be an emotional affair—not just for the players, but for fans of Algerian football eager to see new names engraved on the historic trophy.
Coach Mihoubi will be hoping his squad can set aside the distractions of league form and focus on the task at hand. For RC Arbaâ, the chance to lift silverware on such a stage may never come again.
