CAFCL: Rulani Mokwena reacts to first defeat

South African tactician Rulani Mokwena emerged from Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda bruised but not battered after suffering his first defeat in charge of MC Alger on Friday.

The Algerian Ligue 1 pacesetters went into the 2025-2026 CAF Champions’ League Group C match against Al-Hilal Omdurman in Kigali unbeaten in eight straight matches back home under the reign of the former Orlando Pirates man. Al Hilal are hosting matches in Rwanda due to the war back home in Sudan.

Since being appointed as Alger coach, the former Mamelodi Sundowns’ trainer presided over seven wins and one draw to assume leadership of the log table.

However, transferring domestic form into the African competition proved challenging for South Africa against the Sudanese opponents, whose efficiency and use of width at times carved open the visitors’ defence like a hot knife on butter.

In a post-match interview, Mokwena is quoted as admitting that he expected the game to be tough, while insisting that there is plenty to play for in the remaining five games for the group.

“Difficult game,” the coach is quoted as saying on www.naifooty.com.ng. “We expected something like this. We were solid defensively in the first half.

“It’s a pity how we conceded, but I like the response from my players in the second half. We take our first defeat of the season, but we still have five more games to go.”

What next now for Mokwena’s MC Alger

Alger’s next game will certainly be a centre of attraction as Mokwena returns to South Africa to confront his former employers Sundowns on Friday.

The Betway Premiership side will play the group’s other opponents FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo on Saturday.