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.

 

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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.