Algiers, Algeria — Tension dey high as football fans dey ready for semi-finals of the Coupe d’Algérie. On April 15, 2025, two exciting matches go happen: USM Alger go battle USM El-Harrach for Stade du 5 Juillet at 20h45, while CR Belouizdad go face MC El-Bayadh for Stade Miloud Hadefi at 18h00. Both matches dey important as teams dey fight for final spot.
USM Alger, who na traditional giants for Algerian football, dey enter this semi-final to make up for their past mistakes after dem gree CS Constantine knock dem out of the African Confederation Cup. The match end for 1-1 but dem lose 4-3 for penalties. Dis defeat don make dem hungry to return to the final for the first time since 2013. Their opponents, USM El-Harrach, don surprise many people with their performance this season. Dem dey co-leading the Ligue 2 amateur (groupe Centre-Est) and don show serious form for the Coupe d’Algérie.
The Harrachis don eliminate strong teams like JS Kabylie (1-0 in 1/16 finals), MC Oran (1-0 in 1/8 finals), and ES Mostaganem (1-1, winning 2-0 on penalties in 1/4 finals). “We know we are the underdogs, but we have prepared well and are ready to fight for every inch on the pitch,” USM El-Harrach coach talk. Dem ready to upset the favorites, USM Alger, for this historic derby.
On the other hand, USM Alger dey eager to forget their recent failure in the continental tournament. Head coach Marcos Paqueta, wey don face plenty criticism after the C3 exit, dey under pressure to deliver. He sabi say this match important and he go encourage his players. “We must focus on the task at hand and not let past disappointments cloud our judgment. This is a chance to bring joy back to our supporters,” Na wetin Paqueta talk for pre-match interview.
For the second semi-final, CR Belouizdad, wey be the current holders of the Coupe d’Algérie, go meet MC El-Bayadh, wey don dey on 12 matches unbeaten streak across all competitions. After dem fall from the group stage of the African Champions League, CR Belouizdad don put all their attention on this Coupe d’Algérie, as e be their last chance to save the season and defend their title.
MC El-Bayadh, dem dey make their first appearance at this stage of the competition, dey look to shake things up against the defending champions. With coach Lotfi Amrouche, wey don win this competition before in 2016 with MCA, dem don eliminate notable teams like Olympique Akbou (0-0, winning 6-5 on penalties in 1/8 finals) and ES Sétif (1-0 in 1/4 finals). Their compact and disciplined play style don make dem tough opponent.
As matchday dey approach, both matches go display the best of Algerian football talent. Fans dey expect to fill the stands, creating an electric atmosphere as teams dey battle for not just trophy but for pride and glory. Fans dey wait for USM Alger and USM El-Harrach clash wey go be serious contest, while for Oran, CR Belouizdad dey plan to show their strength against the resilient MC El-Bayadh.
With both matches kicking off at their designated times, football lovers fit prepare for night wey go full of drama and unforgettable moments. Go USM Alger reclaim their spot for the final, or go USM El-Harrach deliver shocker? Fit CR Belouizdad defend their title, or go MC El-Bayadh create their own fairytale? The answers go unfold for the pitch, and one thing no be lie: the Coupe d’Algérie semi-finals no dey to miss.
