Rulani Mokwena & MC Alger humbled by Ligue 1 newbies

Rhulani Mokwena suffered his first defeat in the Algerian Ligue 1 as MC Alger fell by a solitary goal to newly promoted side MB Rouissat.

Prior to the fixture, the People’s Club had played 18 games, domestically, without tasting defeat. The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician had hoped to beat the 22-game unbeaten record set in the 2013/14 season.

Having faced tougher opponents and managed a positive result in the previous outings, the 38-year-old could have expected a relatively easier assignment on Thursday night.

Prior to the game, Rouissat had played 10 games with a return of three wins, four draws and three losses. It was not going to be an easy fixture facing the leaders who had recorded eight wins from nine matches, with the remaining one game ending in a draw.

MC Alger undone by their former player

The visitors started the game well but Rouissat managed to keep them at bay, before eventually settling and dictating proceeding in their yard amid cheers from their passionate fans.

Kheiredine Merzougui, who had left The Dean at the start of the season, scored the lone goal in the 27th minute to hand the hosts a lead and the only strike of the match. Despite increacing their tempo, MC Alger failed to get past the stubborn Rouissat.

The victoy put the newbies sixth on the table with 16 points, nine less than leaders MC Alger who have three matches at hand. It was a motivation for them in their bid to get the CAF Inter-Club competitions slot.

MC Alger are hopping to maintain their form hoping to go all the way and secure the Algerian Ligue one crown to represent the country in the CAF Champions League 2026/27 edition.