Rhulani Rulani Mokwena, coach of MC Alger ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Wednesday Mar 04, 2026. 13:00
Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger were knocked out of the Algerian Cup following a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Sead Ramovic’s CR Belouizdad at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Tuesday.
MC Alger came back from a goal down twice to send the fixture to extra-time, but could not overcome Belouizdad, who were forced to play the additional 30 minutes a man short.
Ramovic’s side struck first as Mohamed Ben Hammouda found the back of the net in the 17th minute. However, the score was levelled in the 30th minute as Ayoub Ghezala scored from the penalty spot for MC Alger.
Naoufel Khacef fired Belouizdad back into the lead just two minutes into the second half but Mohamed Bangoura brought MC Alger level again in the 90th minute.
Despite Belouizdad receiving a red card in the 81st minute, Mokwena’s side could not capitalize in extra-time and fell victim to a 100th minute goal from Youcef Laouafi.
While CR Belouizdad marched on to the tournament’s semi-finals, Mokwena’s future in the Algerian capital may be in doubt.
Despite being atop the Algerian Ligue 1 with 37 points, one ahead of Constantine with four games in hand, MC Alger were knocked out of the CAF Champions League on the last matchday of the group stage and now find themselves out of the Algerian Cup.
He has been linked with a move to Al Ittihad in Libya, where he could reunite with South Africa winger Thembinkosi Lorch.
By Nic Gleeson