Rulani Mokwena believes his first defeat as MC Alger coach will not derail their plans of leaving an impression in the Caf Champions League

Rulani Mokwena says MC Alger’s first loss under his reign brought lessons for them to take home while still believing they can still perform better in their remaining group matches.

“And also, we take the lessons that come out of the result. And now we have five more games to play in the group. Let’s hope, we get better,” Mokwena said after his Alger side succumbed to a 2-1 loss against Sudanese club Al Hilal.

Alger are leading in the Algerian Ligue 1 and they have been unbeaten in seven games under the former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician.

Mokwena said his Caf Champions League start for the North African side was as he expected.

“A difficult game, we expected it to be difficult and it was difficult,” said Mokwena.

“Every team loses in the world; we will take our first defeat this season with a lot of humility.

“After losing a game, it’s difficult to speak about positives, but as I said to you, in the first half, I couldn’t recognise my team.”

“But the response in the second half was good. Tactically, we also changed the build-up and some things.

“It was much better, and I think if we played the way we played in the second half for 90 minutes, the results would have been different.”