Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena registers first win as USM Alger dispatch Ligue 1 rivals

Former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rhulani Mokwena registered his first win with Algerian side MC Alger after a 1-0 Ligue 1 victory against Olympique Akbou on Friday.

The win, courtesy of Mohamed Halaimia's eighth-minute goal, came in their second game of the season after an initial 0-0 draw against city rivals USM Alger on August 30.

“It will be very difficult for teams to win here. I am very proud of the players; last season, we lost this game. We showed good character, and congratulations to the team,” Mokwena said in his post-match press conference.

The win comes at a time when the South African is under immense scrutiny following his turbulent period in Morocco with Wydad Casablanca.

The opportunity to serve MC Alger is a good stage for the Premier Soccer League title-winning coach to show the world that indeed he can succeed outside South Africa, despite his struggle with the Moroccan giants.

Given that MC Alger have been successful in the domestic competitions, Mokwena's top priority will be to guide them to continental success.

Mokwena and MC Alger's focus now shifts to their next assignment, which will be a home game against Oran on September 20.