Bouderbala’s brace in extra time secured USM Alger’s place in the Algerian Cup final after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over CA Batna on April 24, 2026. The Algérois will now face CR Belouizdad in the championship match, seeking to defend their title in what will be the seventh final meeting between the two clubs.
The decisive goal came in the 120th minute plus one second of stoppage time, when Bouderbala pounced on a loose ball inside the box to seal the win. His earlier goal in the 98th minute had already position USM Alger ahead during the extra period, completing a remarkable turnaround after CA Batna had equalized late in regular time.
USM Alger had taken an early lead through Aimé Etane Tendeng’s 11th-minute strike, but Ghettout headed home for CA Batna just before halftime to make it 1-1. The match remained locked at that score through 90 minutes, forcing extra time where Bouderbala’s double proved decisive.
This victory sets up a final clash with CR Belouizdad, who earlier on April 24 defeated CS Constantine 3-2 in the second semifinal. Belhocini opened the scoring for CRB before Dib converted a penalty for CSC after the break. Ben Hammouda restored CRB’s lead and added a second shortly after, with Tosin pulling one back for Constantine in stoppage time.
The Algérois derby will mark the seventh time USM Alger and CR Belouizdad have met in the Algerian Cup final, having previously faced off in 1969, 1970, 1978, 1988, 2003, and 2025. CR Belouizdad were runners-up in last season’s final, which USM Alger won 2-0 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki on July 5, 2025.
For USM Alger, the win continues their recent dominance in the competition, having reached five consecutive finals dating back to 2019. The club now aims to secure back-to-back titles under pressure from their historic rivals.
The final date has not yet been confirmed by the Algerian Football Federation, but both teams will prepare knowing the winner will claim the Coupe d’Algérie trophy and earn automatic qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
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