USM Alger secured their place in Algerian football history on Thursday, 30 April, after defeating city rivals CR Belouizdad 2-1 in the Algerian Cup final at Nelson Mandela Stadium.
The victory delivered a 10th Algerian Cup title for USM Alger, extending their record in the competition and marking back-to-back triumphs against the same opponent. The result reinforces their dominance in the tournament, moving them ahead of CR Belouizdad, who remain on nine titles.
Derby victory cements dominance
The latest success continues a growing pattern of superiority in cup finals between the two clubs. USM Alger have now defeated CR Belouizdad in four finals—1988, 2003, 2025 and 2026—while their rivals have previously triumphed over them on three occasions in 1969, 1970 and 1978.
This latest meeting adds another chapter to one of Algeria’s most intense football rivalries, with the capital once again hosting a decisive and closely contested final.
Records underline achievement
The triumph was accompanied by a series of notable statistical milestones. USM Alger’s retention of the Algerian Cup marks the eighth time a club has successfully defended the title. Previous examples include ES Sétif in the 1960s, CR Belouizdad at the turn of that decade, and later achievements by MC Oran, JS Kabylie, USM Alger themselves in the early 2000s, and MC Alger.
The result also ensures the Algerian Cup remains in Algiers for a third consecutive year, a feat achieved for only the third time in the competition’s history. Earlier instances occurred between 1969 and 1971, and again from 1981 to 1983.
Individual milestones reached
Several players etched their names into the record books during the final. Forward Ahmed Khaldi became the first player since Mokhtar Benmoussa to score in consecutive Algerian Cup finals, having found the net in back-to-back editions.
Meanwhile, Ivorian striker Dramane Kamagati joined a select group of foreign players to score in the final. He becomes only the third non-Algerian to achieve the feat, following Malian Minto Doukouré and Cameroonian Lionel Wamba.
These individual contributions proved decisive in a tightly contested match that ultimately tipped in USM Alger’s favour.
Ndiaye breaks new ground
The victory also represents a landmark achievement for head coach Lamine Ndiaye, who becomes the first African manager to lead a club to Algerian Cup success.
Ndiaye is also the seventh foreign coach to win the competition, joining a list that includes figures such as François Bracci, Enrico Fabro, Alain Geiger, Roland Courbis, Badou Zaki and Marcos Paquetá.
His success marks a significant moment in the tournament’s history, highlighting the increasing influence of international coaching expertise in Algerian football.
Attention turns to continental ambitions
Following their domestic triumph, USM Alger will now shift focus to continental competition. The club is set to face Zamalek in the African Confederation Cup final, with matches scheduled for 9 and 16 May.
Having secured domestic silverware, Ndiaye’s side will aim to build on their momentum as they pursue further success on the African stage.
A night of significance
USM Alger’s latest Algerian Cup victory stands as more than just another trophy. It represents a convergence of historical achievement, individual excellence and managerial innovation, underlining the club’s continued prominence in Algerian football.
