MC Alger, under the guidance of former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena, settled for a goalless draw against the Brazilians in a CAF Champions League group stage match at the Stade Ali Ammar Dit Ali La Ponite Stadium on Friday night.
Masandawana came into this clash knowing very well that they would be facing the man [Rulani Mokwena] who knows them very well, having previously coached them.
However, Masandawana showed that their quality matters, as they were able to handle the pressure from the Algerian side away from home.
Marcelo Allende swung the ball in from the flank, finding Tashreeq Matthews, whose effort went over the bar in the 25th minute of the showdown.
The Brazilians had ball possession in the first half at the packed Ali La Ponite Stadium, as the home side’s supporters came in numbers.
MC ALGER AND MAMELODI SUNDOWNS GOALLESS AT HALFTIME BREAK
In the first half, the Chloorkop-based outfit looked to be the better side and had control of the game with 66% ball possession before the interval. However, both teams went into the break with a 0-0 scoreline.
Sundowns returned with the same determination in the second half, threatening the hosts’ goal a couple of times in the hope of breaking the deadlock.
Miguel Cardoso’s troops continued to execute a patient build-up, looking to create a chance that could finally lead to a goal, but it was never meant to be.
Nothing could separate the two sides, as MC Alger put in a resilient defensive performance to deny the efforts of Sundowns’ attackers.
The final whistle blew with Mokwena’s boys and Bafana Ba Style settling for a 0-0 draw.
Sundowns’ next Champions League assignment will be against Hilal Obayed at home on 23 January 2026. The kickoff will be confirmed in due course.
RELATED STORY: Khulumani Ndamane shuts down Mamelodi Sundowns question