Rulani Mokwena calls for humility after first league defeat in Algeria

Rulani Mokwena’s remarkable domestic unbeaten run in Algeria came to an abrupt halt on Thursday as MC Alger suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to newly promoted MB Rouissat in the league.

The decisive blow was delivered in the 27th minute by a familiar face, Kheiredine Merzougui. The former MC Alger striker haunted his old employers with a goal that proved to be the difference, handing the Algerian giants their first Ligue 1 loss under the South African tactician.

Despite the setback, the “Mouloudia” remain in a commanding position at the summit of the table, sitting four points clear with three games in hand.

Identity Crisis on the Pitch For Rulani Mokwena’s Troops

While it was Mokwena’s first league defeat, it marks his second loss since taking the reins in Algiers—the other being a 2-1 CAF Champions League stumble against Al Hilal. Speaking after the match, the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach was candid about his side’s shortcomings.

“We didn’t play well today. It’s easy for me to digest a result like this because I think they were more aggressive; they wanted it a little bit more,” Mokwena admitted. “They were fighting, they picked up the second ball, and when the opposition is like this, you accept with a lot of humility and move on.”

Mokwena emphasised that while losing an away game in a 30-match season is statistically “normal,” the manner of the defeat was what troubled him most.

“What hurts me the most is the performance. We lost a little bit of our identity, and we played too many long balls. But okay, this is for discussion when we do the review with the group.”

The Stats: Rulani Mokwena at the Helm

Since arriving in Algeria, Mokwena has transformed MC Alger into a dominant force. His record remains highly impressive across all competitions. In 18 games played, Mokwena has won 11, drawn five and lost twice.

The coach refused to use injuries as an excuse for the flat performance against seventh-placed Rouissat.

“When we don’t have those [injured] players, and we win, I don’t complain. When we lose without the players, it’s the same thing,” he noted. “We have to digest, accept, and move on very fast because we have a lot of games.”

With a congested fixture list ahead and a significant lead at the top of the table, Mokwena’s focus now shifts to restoring the tactical “identity” that has defined his tenure so far.