Reaching the CAF Champions League group stage a big achievement for us – MC Alger coach Rulani Mokwena

MC Alger head coach Rulani Mokwena has praised his team’s resilience after securing qualification to the CAF Champions League group stage for a second consecutive season, despite playing without the support of their home fans.

The Algerian champions advanced after overcoming Liberian giants FC Fassell 3-0 on aggregate and edging Cameroon’s FC Colombe on the away goals rule.

Their progress comes under challenging circumstances, with the club currently serving a fan ban imposed following crowd trouble during last season’s quarterfinal clash against Orlando Pirates.

Speaking to the media, Mokwena emphasised the significance of the achievement, highlighting the mental strength of his players and the collective effort of the club.

“We played the champions of Liberia and the champions of Cameroon without the support of our fans in our stadium. It is a very big achievement for the club,” he said.

He added, “It’s not easy. Congratulations to the football club, the players, the president—this one is for him—and congratulations to the staff, especially our medical team who are working very hard. This is a great team achievement.”

Mokwena, who is under pressure to surpass the club’s quarterfinal exit from last season, will now turn his focus to ensuring MC Alger makes a deeper run in this year’s competition.