MC El Bayadh wrote their name in history by knocking out ES Sétif from the Algerian Football Cup, joining USM Alger and USM El Harrach in the semi-finals after a thrilling quarter-final round on Thursday evening.
USM Alger delivered a commanding 5-0 thrashing of CS Ain Temouchent, powered by Ahmed Khaldi’s brace in the 24th and 67th minutes and Mohamed Benmaazouz’s strikes in the 44th and 71st, capped off by Hossam Eddine Ghecha’s goal in the 90th. They’ll now face crosstown rivals USM El Harrach in the next round.
Meanwhile, MC El Bayadh fought tooth and nail for their spot, clinching a 1-0 upset over ES Sétif in a match that stretched into extra time.
Aissa Boudchicha emerged as the hero, burying the decisive goal in the 100th minute to spark wild celebrations. The victory sets up a semi-final showdown with the winner of Friday’s clash between defending champions CR Belouizdad and MC Béjaïa.
For Mouloudia, this triumph marks a bold step into uncharted territory on the cup stage.
