Rulani Mokwena's debut match as head coach of MC Alger ended in controversy after their opponents Olympique de Beja refused to continue the game following a dispute over fan attendance.
The 38-year-old South African tactician, who recently took charge of the Algerian club, has been shaping his squad as part of pre-season preparations.
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This is Mokwena's second job outside his home country. The former Mamelodi Sundowns was a head coach of Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club last season.
Alger are currently in Tunisia for a training camp, during which they are scheduled to play a series of friendly matches.
Their first encounter, against Olympique de Béja was abandoned at halftime with the score locked at 0-0. The hosts reportedly refused to return for the second half, claiming that their supporters were not allowed to enter the stadium.
"The first friendly match of the MC in Tunisia stops in the second half, after the Bagian Olympian refused to continue playing the match because the organizers refused to let Olympic supporters enter," MC Alger said in a statement .
"This led the Tunisian team to withdraw despite the insistence of the Algerian MC to continue the meeting, which was held in the Ain Drahm compound."
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Despite the disappointing start, Mokwena and his team are reportedly set to play three more friendlies in Tunisia, against CS Constantine, Qatar’s Al Khor, and Hammam-Lif FC of Tunisia, before returning home to continue preparations for the new season.
