Mokwena’s Return: MC Alger Coach Faces Off Against Former Club Sundowns
The CAF Champions League group stage intensifies tonight as Algerian giants MC Alger welcome South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns to the Stade Ali-la-Pointe in Algiers. Kicking off at 19:00 UTC (21:00 South African time), this Group C encounter promises fireworks, especially with Rulani Mokwena—Sundowns’ former head coach—now leading MC Alger. Broadcast live on SABC 3 and SuperSport channel 209, the match has fans across Africa divided, with South Africans chanting “Masandawana” and Algerians backing their unbeaten league leaders.
Match Background and Stakes
This is matchday two in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League Group C. MC Alger opened with a 2-1 loss to Al Hilal in Sudan but showed resilience and attacking promise. They desperately need home points to stay competitive. Sundowns, meanwhile, began strongly with a victory over Saint-Éloi Lupopo from the DR Congo, sitting comfortably in the group standings.
Sundowns’ return to Algeria wasn’t smooth, with reported airport delays sparking speculation of mind games to unsettle the visitors. Yet, the Brazilians are undeterred, riding high atop the Betway Premiership—though rivals Orlando Pirates lurk just three points behind with games in hand. MC Alger, dominating Algeria’s Ligue 1 with an unbeaten streak of 11 matches, see this as the perfect opportunity to rebound and showcase their fluid, impressive style on home turf.
The Rulani Mokwena Factor
The spotlight shines brightest on Rulani Mokwena, who left Sundowns earlier this year amid reported differences and swiftly took the reins at MC Alger. Renowned for his sharp tactical mind, Mokwena faces his old club for the first time, armed with insider knowledge of Sundowns’ players and strategies. Sundowns supporters fondly recall his role in their domestic and continental triumphs, but now he’s the adversary plotting their downfall.
Questions abound: Can Mokwena’s familiarity give MC Alger the upper hand, or will Sundowns’ superior depth and big-game experience shine through? Sundowns’ current coach has stressed mental preparation and resilience, downplaying the travel issues. Mokwena, in turn, has lauded his new team’s quality while respecting Sundowns’ formidable roster, featuring stars like midfielder Teboho Mokoena, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, and forward Peter Shalulile.
Team Form, Key Players, and Possible Lineups
MC Alger enters as slight favourites, thanks to their home advantage and red-hot domestic form. Their attacking flair, led by prolific forward Youcef Belaïli, could exploit any Sundowns defensive lapses. However, their recent CAF defeat exposed backline frailties that the visitors might target. Predicted lineup for MC Alger (4-3-3): Chaal; Hachoud, Belkhiter, Merouani, Hamidi; Zougrana, Naidji, Bayazid; Belaïli, Bacha, Belkheir.
Sundowns, with a stellar continental pedigree, excel in possession-based play and have won their last few outings across all competitions, showing no fatigue from a packed schedule. Key threats include Shalulile’s goal-scoring prowess and Aubrey Modiba’s versatility on the wings. Predicted lineup for Sundowns (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Mvala, Kekana, Modiba; Mokoena, Allende; Zwane, Ribeiro, Shalulile; Sirino.
Head-to-head history is sparse—this is their first competitive clash in recent years. Both teams favour high-scoring affairs, hinting at an entertaining, open game.
Predictions and Betting Insights
Bookmakers favour MC Alger with home advantage, offering odds of around 1.80-1.84 for a home win, 4.10-4.34 for Sundowns, and 3.10-3.15 for a draw. Experts anticipate goals, predicting both teams to score and over 2.5 goals as probable outcomes, given their offensive strengths.
Form analysis suggests Sundowns’ away grit in big matches could secure a result, but Mokwena’s tactics might counter that effectively. Our prediction: A tense 2-1 victory for MC Alger, though a Sundowns upset or midfield-dominated draw remains possible if they dictate the tempo.
How to Watch and Fan Reactions
South African viewers can catch the action on SABC 3 at 21:00 or SuperSport 209 for pay-TV. Social media is ablaze with excitement—South Africans rally behind Sundowns with “Areyeng Masandawana,” while some cheekily support Mokwena and MC Alger, dubbing it “Rhulani vs Cardoso” or even “Plastic fans vs Custard eaters.” Algerian fans highlight their team’s unbeaten run, expecting a passionate crowd to fuel a win.
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