MC Alger coach Rulani Mokwena has expressed his disappointment following defeat against Saint Eloi Lupopo in the third round of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on Sunday.
A stoppage time goal saw the Congolese outfit Saint-Eloi Lupopo secure a slender 1-0 victory over the Algerian club in a high-stake clash.
Both teams were cruising to a goalless draw until DR Congo international Michael Kimputu converted perfectly from the spot to secure maximum points for Saint-Eloi Lupopo, a result that boosts their confidence and strengthens their position in the group.
“Congratulations to the opposition, I think they were a better team over 90 minutes more especially in the first half,” Mokwena told the media in Lubumbashi.
“We didn’t compete enough and we arrived late for the duals; we arrived late for the second balls. We made too many mistakes for the Champions League game but in the second half I thought we were a little bit better all the players doing enough to help the team to be comfortably on the pitch. It is just a pity that it’s a moment where we had some chances, we were let down by our decision making.
“I think there was one situation where Farat could have given Naiji or maybe another final pass. Okay it’s a pity that we lost the game in the second half when we were much better but in Champions League you have to play 90 minutes not 45 minutes.”
Saint-Eloi Lupopo have now positioned themselves well in their group after three matches. The Congolese outfit have moved to the third spot, one point behind Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Hilal, who occupies first and second spots in Group C with five points, while the Algerian giants’ remains bottom with just a point.
MC Alger have yet to record a single with in their group, losing two and drawing one, undermining their chances of securing a spot in the knockout stage of the competition.
MC Alger face Lupopo at home and will be hoping to restore their CAF Champions League run.
