Pressure continues to mount on Rulani Mokwena at MC Alger after his side was knocked out of the Algerian Cup by Sead Ramovic’s CR Belouizdad on Wednesday morning.
The defeat means Mokwena has now seen two potential trophies slip away this season, following his side’s earlier exit from the 2025/26 CAF Champions League. The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician is now left with only the Algerian Ligue 1 title to fight for.
MC Alger lost 3-2 in an agonising Algerian Cup quarter-final clash at the Stade du 20 Août 1955. Adding salt to the wound for Mokwena was the fact that the defeat came at the hands of his long-time rival, Sead Ramovic. The former TS Galaxy coach famously had several heated exchanges with Mokwena during their time in the Betway Premiership.
The two sides were deadlocked at 2-2 after a pulsating 90 minutes, forcing the match into extra time. While MC Alger appeared to be in control, a costly lapse in concentration in the 100th minute saw them concede the decisive goal. CR Belouizdad held firm to protect their narrow lead and storm into the semi-finals.
Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda, Naoufel Khacef, and Youcef Amine Laouafi were on target for Belouizdad, while Ayoub Ghezala and Mohamed Bangoura netted for Mokwena’s side.
RULANI MOKWENA SHIFTS FOCUS TO LEAGUE TITLE DEFENCE
Having failed to defend the Algerian Cup, Mokwena’s focus now shifts entirely to retaining the Algerian Ligue 1 title. However, a concerning dip in form has seen MC Alger struggle to extend their lead at the summit of the table.
Their latest league outing ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw against JS Kabylie. While Mokwena’s side still holds a slender one-point lead over second-placed Constantine [36 points], the stalemate was a missed opportunity to pull away. Although MC Alger boast four games in hand, their inability to secure maximum points has invited unwanted pressure.
Alarmingly, Mokwena’s charges have failed to register a league victory since January 5, 2026, when they edged title rivals Constantine 1-0. To add to his woes, the league recently clamped down on the South African tactician, slapping him with a R12,200 fine for misconduct following his refusal to attend a post-match press conference.
Despite the domestic friction, the biggest blow to the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns coach remains their premature CAF Champions League exit.
After a shaky start to the group stages, MC Alger appeared to have regained their footing and were on the verge of qualification. However, a high-stakes defeat in their final group game against Mokwena’s former employers, Mamelodi Sundowns, ended their continental dreams.
A deep run in the Champions League was undoubtedly a primary objective when the club appointed the South African. Now, with continental and cup glory off the table, the focus turns to a must-win league encounter against relegation-threatened ES Mostaganem on Saturday.
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