Rulani Mokwena masterclass keeps Mamelodi Sundowns quiet in Algeria

Rulani Mokwena ensured his MC Alger team did not lose to his ex-club Mamelodi Sundowns when the two sides clashed in a CAF Champions League match on Friday night.

MC Alger hosted Sundowns in Algiers, seeking to extend their great home record that dates back to last season, and they did just that in a game which they should have won in the first half.

Sundowns were not their usual self with no shot on target in the entire contest, a rare occurrence from Miguel Cardoso’s team, at a packed Ali La Pointe Stadium.

Wydad had a chance after 10 minutes when Teboho Mokoena brought down Zakaria Naidji, who had made a run towards goal against the run of play, with a freekick given and the midfielder being shown a yellow card.

MC Alger miss two great opportunities

Sundowns then had a glorious opportunity after 25 minutes when Marcelo Allende whipped a great cross into the box but Tashreeq Matthews, who was stationed at the back post, was beaten to it by a defender who headed out.

Another counterattack from the home side saw Ashley Cupido bring down Alhassane Bangoura when he was through on goal but the defender escaped a red card as Divine Lunga was adjudged to be providing cover when he made the foul. The resultant freekick hit the wall.  

However, MC Alger should have gone ahead in the 41^st minute when Bangura unleashed a ferocious shot that was blocked by Mokoena and the midfielder put his body on the line to keep out the second one while the third attempt in quick succession was thwarted by the Sundowns defenders.

Just seconds later, MC Alger should have been celebrating the first goal when Zinedine Ferhat received a great ball that was lofted over the Sundowns defence. He spotted Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams off his line and lobbed him but watched agonizingly as his attempt went over the bar.

Where does the draw leave Sundowns?

It was a frantic first half that Mokwena’s charges wasted a number of opportunities but Sundowns limited them after the break with no real opportunity on Williams’ goal.

That was until the 87^th minute when Soufiane Bayazid thought he had scored for the home side but he was flagged offside after a tight call.

It was a night that Sundowns will want to forget quickly as they had a difficult game with perhaps the only positive being the return to action of captain Themba Zwane, who came in as an 88^th minute substitute.

Sundowns, who won 3-1 against St Eloi Lupopo on matchday 1 last week, have four points from two games, while MC Alger have their first point, following their surprise 2-1 defeat to Sudan’s Al-Hilal last week.

Lupopo host Al-Hila on Sunday and if the Sudanese giants win, they will take command of Group C with six points.