Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates coach Rhulani Mokwena frustrated, but MC Alger advance to CAF Champions League group stage

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates coach Rhulani Mokwena has guided MC Alger to the CAF Champions League group stage.

The Algerian heavyweights managed to navigate past Cameroon's Colombe to reach the group stage of Africa's premier club competition.

Although they were held to a 0-0 draw at home on Sunday, MC Alger progressed courtesy of an away goal scored in the first leg.

In Cameroon, they managed to get a 1-1 draw and were hoping to finish the job at home emphatically. However, that was not possible, as they were frustrated to a goalless draw.

Nevertheless, their group stage dream was realised, although not in a very convincing manner.

Although MC Alger were not sharp, that would not matter much for now because they are in the group stage, where they will now brush shoulders with more polished sides.

When he was appointed, the club's ambitions were clear; they needed someone who would guide them successfully in the Champions League as well as further stamp authority in the domestic competitions.

So far, Mokwena is unbeaten in the league, and this is a dream start for him as he hopes to help MC Alger defend the title.

In the Champions League, they were eliminated at the quarter-final stage last season, and an earlier exit this time around is something they are keen to avoid.

MC Alger are set to face Khenchela in a league showdown on October 30. This is a crucial game for Mokwena, as he would like to win and maintain the momentum.