Mokwena’s Alger Suffer Shock Defeat To Hilal In The Champions League
Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger began their CAF Champions League group-stage campaign with a shock 2-1 defeat to Al Hilal at the Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda on Friday.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Mokwena, who ended the match visibly furious after clashing with a member of Al Hilal’s technical team. The Hilal official was eventually pulled away by Wendell Robinson — now part of Mokwena’s staff — who previously worked with him at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Al Hilal finished the match with 10 men after Salaheldin Alhassan produced a reckless challenge on an MC Alger player. The tackle prompted Mokwena to leap from his technical area in anger.
Although the fixture was played at a neutral venue due to the instability in Sudan — even though it was Hilal’s home match — MC Alger’s performance came as a surprise. They were poor throughout, lacking creativity and failing to trouble the Sudanese champions in either half. It was uncharacteristic of a Mokwena-coached team, especially given the ball-dominant style associated with him during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, it is still early in Mokwena’s tenure, having only joined the Algerian club during the off-season after leaving Wydad Casablanca.
Just before half-time, MC Alger were punished for their sluggish play. Abdelrazig Omer opened the scoring for Al Hilal, finishing at the near post after meeting a low cross from Jean Girumugisha.
Alger registered their first attempt on goal in the 49th minute through Kipre Zunon, whose effort was deflected for a corner — a reflection of their struggles.
Despite their poor play, MC Alger found themselves level in the 53rd minute. Oussama Benhaoua’s attempted cross took a heavy deflection off Mustafa Karshom, beating goalkeeper Farid Ouedraogo at the near post for an own goal — and marking Alger’s first shot on target.
But the parity didn’t last. In the 75th minute, substitute Mohamed Abdelrahman restored Al Hilal’s lead with his very first touch, sweeping home from Steven Ebuela’s cross. Abdelrahman had just replaced Omer, making the change an immediate masterstroke from Romanian coach Laurentiu Reghecampf.
Al Hilal held firm despite being a man down, securing the win and moving to the top of Group C.
Mamelodi Sundowns now have an opportunity to claim first place when they host St Eloi Lupopo at Loftus Stadium on Saturday. A victory by more than two goals will see the Tshwane giants take control of the group.
