Rulani Mokwena began his reign at MC Alger with a goalless draw against USM Alger in their Algerian Ligue 1 opener on Sunday evening.
Mokwena unveiled a solid starting eleven, which included the likes of Bouchrit, Aymen Bougerra, Amine Messoussa and Zakaria Naidji.
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The two outfits were quick out of the blocks in the opening stages and had chances, with Naidji coming close only to stray well off target.
Although, at the other end a smart stop by goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz denied the USM profiting after the MC Alger had been caught napping.
Mokwena’s men ended the half strong and could’ve gone ahead through a big chance from Marwane Khelif, who sent his effort over the crossbar from close range after a scramble in the box.
After a goalless first half, the match remained tightly balanced in the second half, with MC and Mokwena in particular keen to make a winning start to the season.
MC Alger coach Mokwena responded with his first substitution of the game by introducing Al-Arabi Thabiti on for Naidji with around 30 minutes left on the clock.
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With the breakthrough not coming, Mokwena went to the bench again and introduced Moslem Anatouf in the place of Kipre Zunon.
MC Alger should’ve sealed the win two minutes from time with a close-range effort from Meziani, but he went wide as the two sides had to settle for a point each in the opening game of the campaign.
