In the 1944–45 season, USM Alger competed in the Second Division for the 8th season French colonial era, as well as the Forconi Cup. They competed in First Division, and the Forconi Cup. During the previous period, the Second World War, an extremely difficult era marked by chaos, transition, and numerous challenges the doors of USMA remained open to young people of all backgrounds, who were met with warmth and consideration. The club played a role in education, training, and cultural and sporting guidance.
Review After numerous discussions within the League, and thanks to the goodwill shown by a significant number of clubs wishing to take part in the competition this season a number higher than the previous season it was decided to retain last year’s competition format, with a few adjustments: the Critérium d'Alger will be organized for both senior and youth categories, and the Critérium des équipes inférieures will also involve seniors and youth teams, and will be divided into two groups. The qualified teams from each group will face off in playoffs to determine the Algiers Lower Division Champion. USM Alger began the season with a mixed squad, combining some veteran players with new young recruits. Among the most notable additions was Rabah Zouaoui, a centre forward and former player of and MC Alger.
Like many Algerian clubs, USM Alger was heavily affected during World War II. Official football activities were halted, and only informal matches were held under strict French colonial supervision. After the war ended, Algerian Muslim players and club officials, including those at USM Alger, faced significant repression. Many were banned from returning to sporting activities, particularly those suspected of political involvement or support for the nationalist movement. USM Alger was directly impacted by the massacres of May 8, 1945, which left a deep scar on the club. Some of its members were killed or injured during the brutal French crackdown. In remembrance of these tragic events, the club adopted its iconic red and black colors as a lasting symbol of sacrifice and mourning, according to club leaders and contemporaries.
Squad list USM Alger squad list. 1 Rabah Bedaréne 2 Rabah Zouaoui 3 Mohamed Berkani 4 Abdelkader Chaouane 5 Abdelkader Boufaras 6 Mohamed Hachelaf 7 Ismaïl Mahmoudi 8 Mohamed Hamdi 9 Allel Ouaguenouni 10 Mustapha Ouaguenouni 11 Bachir Hammoudi 12 Mustapha El Kamal 13 Youssef El Kamel 14 Abdelkader Tchico 15 Mohamed El Ouardi 16 Ammar Qaseb 17 Mery Salvadour 18 Bazile Nivali 19 20
Competitions Overview CompetitionRecordStarted roundFinal position / roundFirst match Last match First Division 1st 8 October 1944 6 May 1945 Playoffs 13 May 1945 13 May 1945 Forconi Cup First Round Second Round 1 October 1944 5 November 1944 Total
League table Group B
Results by round
Matches
Playoff
Forconi Cup
References
Works cited
External links L'Echo d'Alger : journal républicain du matin Alger républicain : journal républicain du matin