MC Alger head coach Rulani Mokwena suffered his first defeat in the Algerian elite league in what turned out to be a goalless weekend for the few SA stars that played abroad.
In a stunning upset, Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 newcomers MB Rouissat shattered Mokwena’s undefeated domestic run, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over the league leaders.
MC Alger lost 1-0 in a match that was played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Thursday. They, however, remain on top of the table with 25 points, four ahead of second-placed Olympique Akbou. Mokwena will be looking to bounce back to winning ways, as MC Alger take on Aknoun on Tuesday, 23 December.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Cassius Mailula was on the bench as KV Kortrijk beat RSCA Futures 5-2 in a Belgian First Division B match played at Guldensporen Stadion on Saturday. As it stands, Kortrijk are second on the table, with 42 points, six behind leaders SK Beveren.
In the Cypriot First Division, Mihlali Mayambela played 73 minutes as Aris Limassol drew 2-2 with Omonia Aradippou at the Alphamega Stadium on Saturday. Additionally, Luther Singh will be in action on Monday evening when AEL Limassol take on AEK Larnaca at Alphamega Stadium in a Cypriot First Division match.
KODISANG MISSING IN ACTION FOR AVS FUTEBOL SAD
In the EFL Championship, Luke Le Roux was on the bench as Portsmouth drew 1-1 with Derby County at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday. Portsmouth sit in 21st position in the 24-team league, with only five wins from 21 matches. Meanwhile, Le Roux has only featured in seven matches.
Kobamelo Kodisang did not feature for Liga Portugal side AVS Futebol SAD, as they played out a 2-2 draw with CD Nacional at Estádio do Desportivo das Aves on Sunday evening. Kodisang has only played in four matches.
In Denmark, Gift Links was not in action. His AGF last played on Sunday, 14 December, when they beat Odense Boldklub in a Danish Cup quarter-final.
OVERSEAS BASED STARS SHIFT FOCUS TO BAFANA AT 2025 AFCON
Meanwhile, eight overseas-based players were not in action as they are in Morocco, representing Bafana Bafana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON]. These are Tylon Smith, Lyle Foster, Sphephelo Sithole, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mohau Nkota, Elias Mokwana, Samukele Kabini and Shandre Campbell.
The US-based quartet of Bradley Carnell, Olwethu Makhanya, Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Jamie Webber are now in the off-season after the 2025 Major League Soccer and USL Championship ended.
Similarly, Thembinkosi Lorch and coach Fadlu Davids were not in action for Wydad AC and Raja Casablanca, respectively, as the Botola Pro 1 was halted to pave the way for the 2025 AFCON. Simba SC duo of Rushine De Reuck and Neo Maema were also not in action in the Tanzanian Premier League.
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