Mouloudia of Algiers head coach Khaled Benyahia was left to rue missed opportunities following his side’s elimination from the CAF Champions League quarter-finals at the hands of Orlando Pirates.
Despite dominating both legs of the tie, the Algerian club failed to find the net, ultimately losing 1-0 on aggregate.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after the second leg ended in a goalless draw, Benyahia reflected on a performance he felt merited more.
“We played a good match. We dominated our opponents by creating chances, as was the case in the first leg in Algiers,” he said. “However, we didn’t score any goals, unfortunately. Once again, we were lacking in efficiency.”
Mouloudia entered the return leg needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first match in Algiers.
Despite their attacking intent and tactical flexibility throughout the contest, the team’s profligacy in front of goal proved costly.
“We varied our play; short game, sending long balls, but it wasn’t enough to snatch this qualification,” Benyahia explained. “Overall, I would say it was a good show; we were general in our efforts. Tactically, we were well positioned.”
It was a bitter conclusion for the Tunisian tactician, who insisted his side had shown the better football across both legs.
However, the lack of a clinical edge ultimately rendered their possession and attacking pressure ineffective.
Mouloudia created several openings but failed to convert, leaving the door open for the South African outfit to advance.
“The only regret I have is not capitalizing on our chances,” Benyahia admitted. His frustration was compounded by the belief that his side had done enough to merit progression.
Despite the disappointment, the coach was gracious in defeat.
“Finally, I congratulate the Orlando Pirates team for qualifying for the last four of the Champions League,” he added, acknowledging the efforts of the opposition, who held firm under pressure.
Mouloudia’s elimination marks a frustrating end to a continental campaign that had promised much but ultimately fell short due to inefficiency in key moments.
The focus will now shift to domestic objectives and rebuilding with the lessons learned from this narrow defeat.
For Benyahia, the result is a painful reminder of how fine the margins can be at the top level of African football, where possession and tactics alone are not enough without a decisive finishing touch.
