The Round of 32 of the Algerian Football Cup kicks off on Monday, December 30, with matches scheduled to run until January 16, 2025.
The stage is set for a series of compelling encounters, including intriguing all-Ligue 1 clashes and a highly anticipated Algiers derby.
The opening fixture, hosted at the iconic 5-Juillet Stadium, sees ES Ben Aknoun, the newly crowned winter champions of the “Centre-Ouest” group in Ligue 2, take on Ligue 1 giants MC Alger.
ES Ben Aknoun, buoyed by their strong domestic form, will aim to cause an upset against the reigning Algerian champions, who were runners-up in the previous edition of the cup, won by CR Belouizdad.
Another notable contest features CS Constantine, currently fourth in Ligue 1, traveling to Bejaia to face Olympique Akbou.
Constantine, who are chasing cup glory, will look to bounce back from their recent league loss to JS Saoura.
Meanwhile, Olympique Akbou, sitting ninth in Ligue 1, will seek to overcome their struggles, as highlighted by their recent defeat to CR Belouizdad.
CR Belouizdad’s title defense
Defending champions CR Belouizdad are expected to ease past CR Zaouia, an Inter-regions side.
With nine cup titles to their name, Abdelkader Amrani’s men remain heavy favorites.
Other former cup winners, including JS Kabylie, USM Alger, and MC Oran, face relatively manageable opposition.
JS Kabylie takes on ES Guelma, USM Alger faces O.
Magrane, and MC Oran goes head-to-head with US Béchar-Djedid.
The round also features a thrilling derby between Ligue 2 sides USM El Harrach and NA Hussein-Dey.
USM El Harrach, enjoying a stellar start to the season, will hope to maintain their momentum, while Hussein-Dey aims to capitalize on recent improvements.
Elsewhere, Ligue 2 teams clash in three additional encounters: CR Témouchent vs.
CA Batna, RC Kouba vs. GC Mascara, and US Chaouia vs. WA Mostaganem.
Underdogs seek glory
Lower-division teams also take the spotlight, hoping to extend their fairy-tale cup runs.
ES Théniet El-Abed and CR Sendjas, both from Regional 2, face formidable challenges as they play JSM Tiaret and Paradou AC, respectively.
In another high-stakes derby from the highlands, MC El-Eulma, an Inter-regions team, battles Ligue 1 co-runner-up ES Sétif.
The Algerian Football Cup continues to showcase the depth and diversity of the nation’s football talent, promising thrilling action as teams vie for a place in the next round.
