CAF Champions League: Al Hilal End Rulani Mokwena’s Unbeaten Run as MC Alger Fall in Group C Opener

South African coach Rulani Mokwena saw two proud records shattered as his MC Alger side fell 2-1 to Al Hilal Omdurman in their CAF Inter-Club group stage opener on Friday.

The North African derby, played at Al Hilal’s temporary home at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, was billed as a test of Mokwena’s growing reputation.

Ahead of kick-off, the 38-year-old was defending a 12-match unbeaten run since taking charge of MC Alger, a streak that included eight wins and four draws and had propelled the club to the summit of Algeria’s Ligue Professionnelle 1.

Mokwena also boasted a six-match unbeaten record against Al Hilal, dating back to his time as Mamelodi Sundowns assistant and head coach.

But both streaks came to an end in dramatic fashion. Abdelrazig Omer opened the scoring for Al Hilal in first-half stoppage time after a clever assist from Jean Girumugisha.

Mokwena’s men fought back after the break, forcing an equalizer in the 53rd minute when Mustafa Karshom turned the ball into his own net under pressure.

The South African tactician urged his side forward, but substitute Mohamed Abdelrahman struck in the 75th minute to restore Al Hilal’s lead, assisted by Steven Ebuela.

Despite finishing with 10 men after Salaheldin Alhassan was sent off late on, the Sudanese giants held firm to claim all three points.

The result leaves Mokwena’s MC Alger bottom of Group C, while Al Hilal top the standings after matchday one. Mokwena now faces the challenge of rallying his squad for the next fixture as he looks to bounce back and keep his continental ambitions alive.