USM Alger edge Belouizdad to win record 10th Algerian Cup

USM Alger claimed a historic 10th Algerian Cup title after beating fierce rivals CR Belouizdad 2-1 in a thrilling final at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Thursday.

Goals from Dramane Kamakate and Ahmed Khaldi sealed victory for USMA, who held off a second-half fightback despite Younes Ouassi pulling one back for Belouizdad.

The win not only secured back-to-back Algerian Cup triumphs for USM Alger, but also confirmed their status as the most successful club in the competition’s history.

The 59th edition final, played in front of a packed and passionate crowd, lived up to expectations as both sides produced an intense contest befitting one of Algeria’s biggest rivalries.

CR Belouizdad started brightly and looked the more dangerous in the opening exchanges, with Tunisian forward Mohamed Ben Hammouda leading the early charge.

However, it was USM Alger who struck first against the run of play when Kamakate broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, finishing calmly to give his side the advantage.

That goal shifted momentum, and USMA capitalised again just before the break when Khaldi doubled the lead in the 43rd minute, leaving Belouizdad with a mountain to climb.

Belouizdad responded after the restart with renewed urgency, and their efforts paid off in the 62nd minute when defender Ouassi reduced the deficit, setting up a tense finale.

Despite sustained pressure and attempts to force an equaliser, USM Alger showed resilience and defensive discipline to see out the match and secure victory.

The triumph marks USM Alger’s second consecutive Algerian Cup win over the same opponents, having beaten CR Belouizdad 2-0 in last season’s final at the same venue.

It also extends their remarkable record in the competition, with previous titles coming in 1981, 1988, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2013, 2025 and now 2026.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune presented the trophy to captain Saadi Radouani in a jubilant post-match ceremony, capping off a memorable night for the club and its supporters.

USM Alger’s attention now turns to continental ambitions, with a CAF Confederation Cup final against Egyptian giants Zamalek looming, as they look to build on their domestic success.