CAF Champions League: We are confident in our chances and highly motivated for the group stage – MC Alger coach Rulani Mokwena

MC Alger FC head coach Rulani Mokwena has set out his objectives as the Algerian side prepares for the CAF Champions League group stage.

The Greens and Reds find themselves in Group C alongside Sudan’s Al Hilal, DR Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo, and Mokwena’s former team, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Since taking the reins at MC Alger at the start of the season, the 38-year-old coach has maintained an unbeaten record across all competitions.

He steered the club to the group stage with victories over Liberia’s FC Fassell and Cameroonian side Colombe Sportive in the preliminary rounds.

Ahead of their group opener against Al Hilal, Mokwena expressed confidence in his squad and outlined their ambitions.

“We are confident in our chances and highly motivated for the group stage, and of course, we aim to kick off the competition with a win,” Mokwena told the club media.

“We must deliver a strong performance tomorrow (Friday), and throughout the Champions League as well.”

The former Sundowns coach also praised the unwavering support of MC Alger fans, acknowledging their role in the team’s journey.

“I am honestly not surprised to see our supporters everywhere.

“Simply reaching the group stage without having our fans behind us at home is already something to be proud of.

“The supporters’ presence in Liberia and Cameroon motivated the team, they felt they were representing Algeria, and representing the fans as well,” he said.

MC Alger will face Al Hilal at 15:00 GMT on Friday at the Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda.