Mokwena Targets Sundowns After Crucial Al Hilal Test
MC Alger coach Rulani Mokwena has already set his sights on a tough trip to face Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, but insists his immediate focus is on overcoming log leaders Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League on Friday night.
Speaking ahead of the Group C clash at Stade Ali Ammar in Algeria, Mokwena struck a defiant tone as his side prepared for a decisive phase of the competition.
Alger is currently third in the group with four points from four matches, having won once, drawn once, and lost twice, with their only victory coming last weekend at home against Saint Eloi Lupopo.
That result revived their hopes after a difficult start to the campaign. Reflecting on that turnaround, Mokwena revealed that many people were thinking his side was already eliminated, but their perseverance paid off.
“After the three games of the Champions League, many people thought we’re out of the Champions League, but then after 90 minutes (against Lupopo) we got four points,” Mokwena said.
“But that hope of not giving up in football represents the hope in someone’s life, and how the spirit of perseverance, never giving up, honesty, and integrity resonate with football players.
“So, we hope we can carry that spirit against Al Hilal for 90 minutes so that we’ll give ourselves a chance to qualify for the knockout stage.”
Friday’s encounter carries extra significance for Alger, who are seeking revenge after losing to the Sudanese giants in their opening group match, which was played in Rwanda.
Al Hilal currently tops the group, while Sundowns sit second with five points from four games, underlining how tight the standings remain.
Despite the importance of the Al Hilal match, Mokwena did not hide the fact that the upcoming trip to South Africa is firmly on his mind.
The former Sundowns coach will return to familiar territory next week, but he made it clear that sentiment will play no role in his plans.
“I don’t want to be taking the players to South Africa (against Mamelodi Sundowns) to go meet my family and friends, but we want to go to South Africa for three points,” Mokwena added.
“Whether or not we’re going for a safari of three points, it will depend on what we did against Al Hilal.”
Sundowns, meanwhile, will be in action on Sunday against Lupopo in the DR Congo, where the Congolese side remains unbeaten at home after defeating Alger and drawing with Al Hilal.
Mokwena knows that results elsewhere could shape Alger’s destiny, but he believes the key lies in his team’s mentality.
