MC Alger Eyes CAF Cup Success Amid Domestic Struggles
Following the conclusion of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, African club competitions are now back in full swing. This Saturday, MC Alger kicks off its CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a home fixture against Sahel SC of Niger, marking an important test for the club both on and off the pitch.
Despite a troubling domestic league position, the Algiers-based side is determined to approach the continental competition with ambition. Speaking to APS, club president Abdelkrim Raissi emphasized the importance of the CAF Cup to the club’s season:
“The CAF Cup is a competition that differs from the local championship and on which we are banking heavily. We will play it to the fullest despite the fact that we are concerned about staying in the top flight.”
Raissi also acknowledged the lack of detailed knowledge about their Nigerien opponents, but assured supporters that the team would not take them lightly.
“We don’t know much about our opponent, but we will take them very seriously.”
Under the guidance of Portuguese coach Arthur Jorge, who took over in November, MC Alger has shown encouraging signs of revival. The team has secured 10 points from 5 matches since the start of the second half of the season—nearly matching the 11 points earned across the entire first leg.
Still, Raissi remains cautious:
“We are certainly satisfied with our performance at the start of the second half of the championship, but we must not forget that we are still in the relegation zone. There is still a long way to go to ensure our survival.”
While the CAF Cup offers a stage for redemption and prestige, MC Alger must now juggle their continental ambitions with the urgent need to climb out of the danger zone in the domestic league.
