MC Alger v CR Belouizdad: Rulani Mokwena outshines Sead Ramovic in Algeria Ligue 1 Clash

Former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Rulani Mokwena proved his tactical mettle on foreign soil as MC Alger edged past CR Belouizdad 2-1 in a fiery Algeria Ligue 1 showdown on Monday night.

The clash, billed as a battle of wits between Mokwena and his long-time adversary Sead Ramovic, lived up to its billing with drama, goals, and relentless intensity.

Belouizdad struck first blood when Farid El Melali ghosted into space and clinically finished in the 18th minute, silencing the home crowd and giving Ramovic the early psychological edge. But Mokwena’s men responded with authority.

Sofiane Bayazid restored parity in the 28th minute, rifling home after sustained pressure that had Belouizdad scrambling. At halftime, it was all square at 1-1, but the tension was palpable.

The second stanza was a spectacle of end-to-end football, both sides trading punches like heavyweight contenders. Yet, it was Mokwena’s tactical tweak that proved decisive. With nine minutes left on the clock, Alhassane Bangoura latched onto a precise through ball and buried the winner in the 81st minute, sending the home faithful into raptures.

INVINCIBLE MC ALGER

The victory cements MC Alger’s status as the team to beat this season.

Mokwena’s charges sit top of the table on 25 points from nine matches, boasting an unbeaten record and a four-point cushion over second-placed Olympique Akbou, who have played three games more.

In stark contrast, Ramovic’s Belouizdad languish in 10th place with 14 points from 10 outings, a staggering 11 points adrift of Mokwena’s high-flying outfit.