CAFCL: Bangoura reveals pain after MC Alger exits at group stage

Guinea international Alhassane Bangoura has admitted MC Alger players were left gutted after the Algerian club failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the CAF Champions League.

Alger’s campaign came to an end after losing 2-0 against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in their final group fixture. Alger went into the fixture with an opportunity to reach the knockout stages.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MCA | Mouloudia Club d’Alger (@mcalger.officiel)

However, it was Sundowns, who booked a place in the knockout stages of the lucrative competition after Brayan Leon’s brace was enough to defeat Alger at Loftus Versfeld.

Sundowns qualified alongside Sudanese outfit Al Hilal from Group D. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions garnered nine points to finish second, while Al Hilal topped the pile with11 points.

Alger came home third with seven points while DR Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo finished last.

‘Every match taught us something’

“This wasn’t how we wanted our CAF Champions League campaign to end but football can be tough sometimes,” said Bangoura as quoted by Flashscore.

“Like every team, we came in hoping to win the title, but things didn’t go our way, and now we’re out. Losing three of six games cost us dearly and we are disappointed.

“Personally, I want to focus on the positives because this tournament showed us our strengths and the areas we need to improve. We have a good squad, we prepared well, and this experience will make us better.

“Every match taught us something important. We will work harder, learn from our mistakes, and come back stronger next season. This setback is only part of the journey, and I’m sure MC Alger will rise again and make our fans proud.”

He continued: “Not at all. Winning the trophy would have been a great source of pride, but I wouldn’t say there was pressure on us.

“We gave our all and did everything we could, yet the result just didn’t go our way. Unfortunately, we don’t have another chance to correct our mistakes this time.

“Now, our focus is on the matches ahead and the domestic competitions that await us. We will learn from this experience and work hard to come back stronger in the future.”

‘We must stay focused and avoid mistakes’

On whether MC Alger will defend their league title, he replied: ‘I am not going to make promises, but I can assure you that we will take each match as it comes.

“Of course, it would be wonderful to win the league title again, but we know success comes through our performance on the pitch.

“We must stay focused and avoid mistakes that could derail us. Every game is an opportunity to prove ourselves, and stay determined so that we give ourselves the best chance to lift the trophy once more.”

Alger is currently leading the league table with 36 points, one less than second-placed CS Constantine. However, they have played four matches less.

MC Alger Fall Short in CAF Champions League

The loss meant MC Alger finished third in Group D with seven points, missing out on the knockout stages of the CAF Champions League. Sundowns secured second place with nine points, while Sudanese side Al Hilal topped the group with 11 points. DR Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo finished bottom of the standings.

For a club of MC Alger’s stature, the early exit was a major disappointment. Expectations had been high at the start of the tournament, with players and fans alike hoping for a deep run in Africa’s premier club competition.

Speaking after the elimination, Bangoura did not hide the team’s frustration.

“This wasn’t how we wanted our CAF Champions League campaign to end but football can be tough sometimes. Like every team, we came in hoping to win the title, but things didn’t go our way, and now we’re out.”

Alhassane Bangoura Reflects on Key Lessons

Despite the disappointment, Alhassane Bangoura emphasized the importance of learning from the experience. The Guinean forward pointed out that losing three of their six group-stage matches ultimately proved costly.

“Losing three of six games cost us dearly and we are disappointed.”

However, Bangoura chose to focus on the positives, highlighting that the CAF Champions League provided valuable lessons for the squad.

“Personally, I want to focus on the positives because this tournament showed us our strengths and the areas we need to improve. We have a good squad, we prepared well, and this experience will make us better.”

He added that every match offered something meaningful for the team’s development.

“Every match taught us something important. We will work harder, learn from our mistakes, and come back stronger next season.”

No Regrets, Just Determination for MC Alger

Bangoura also dismissed suggestions that pressure may have contributed to MC Alger’s struggles.

“Not at all. Winning the trophy would have been a great source of pride, but I wouldn’t say there was pressure on us. We gave our all and did everything we could, yet the result just didn’t go our way.”

With no opportunity to correct their mistakes in the competition, the focus now shifts to domestic objectives.

“Now, our focus is on the matches ahead and the domestic competitions that await us. We will learn from this experience and work hard to come back stronger in the future.”

MC Alger’s Domestic Ambitions Remain Strong

While their CAF Champions League journey has ended, MC Alger remain firmly in contention for domestic success. The club currently leads the Algerian league table with 36 points, just one ahead of second-placed CS Constantine. Importantly, MC Alger have played four matches fewer than their closest rivals, giving them a strong position in the title race.

Bangoura was cautious but optimistic when asked about defending their league crown.

“I am not going to make promises, but I can assure you that we will take each match as it comes. Of course, it would be wonderful to win the league title again, but we know success comes through our performance on the pitch.”

He stressed the importance of consistency and concentration moving forward.

“We must stay focused and avoid mistakes that could derail us. Every game is an opportunity to prove ourselves, and stay determined so that we give ourselves the best chance to lift the trophy once more.”

A Setback, Not the End for MC Alger

For Alhassane Bangoura and MC Alger, the CAF Champions League exit is undoubtedly painful. However, the forward’s comments reflect a squad determined to grow from adversity rather than be defined by it.

The experience of competing against top African clubs will likely strengthen the team in the long run. With domestic glory still within reach, MC Alger have an immediate opportunity to respond positively.

As Bangoura confidently stated, this setback is only part of the journey — and MC Alger will be eager to return to the continental stage stronger and more prepared next season.