MC Alger head coach Rulani Mokwena has addressed his future with the defending Algerian champions following their exit from the CAF Champions League in the group stages.
Mokwena’s side arrived in Pretoria needing only a draw to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. However, Mamelodi Sundowns proved too strong at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday evening, marching into the semi-finals with a clinical 2-0 victory.
While the Algerian giants reached the final eight last season, their current campaign was derailed by a sluggish start.
Despite a late push, they were unable to advance from the group stages this time around. Reflecting on the campaign, the former Sundowns mentor argued that the damage was done long before the final whistle in Pretoria. After the first three matchdays, MC Alger sat on just one point, a deficit that proved too heavy to overturn.
“We didn’t get knocked out today,” Mokwena told the media. “If you review our participation, the turning point was away in Rwanda against Al Hilal. We conceded first, fought back to 1-1, and then lost it 2-1 in the final 15 minutes. In this competition, securing a point away from home is vital.”
Mokwena also lamented missed opportunities during their home fixtures against Sundowns. That match ended in a goalless draw. He also felt they could have come out with a point in Lubumbashi against St Eloi Lupopo.
WHAT DID RULANI MOKWENA SAY ABOUT HIS FUTURE?
“I don’t know. I’m focused on what’s left of the remaining of the season, and that’s a question that’s not within my control now,” he responded. He shifts focus to a Ligue 1 match against MC Oran on Friday, an away game.
Mokwena aims to strengthen their hold on the top spot in the table. They currently lead with 36 points, four ahead of second-placed CS Constantine, who have played four more games.
MC Alger are scheduled to face their fierce rivals, Sead Ramovic’s CR Belouizdad, in the Algerian Cup on 3 March 2026. The competition remains a major priority for the club as they look to secure a domestic double. They defeated ES Ben Aknoun 1–0 [after extra time] in the Round of 16 on 13 January.
Mokwena has already added silverware to the cabinet this season. On 17 January 2026, MC Alger defeated USM Alger 1–0 to win the 2025 Super Cup. Zakaria Naidji scored the winning goal in the 74th minute, securing Mokwena his first trophy with the ‘Doyen.’
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