ALGIERS, ALGERIA – In a clash of football philosophies, tactical maneuvering, and deep-seated rivalry, Sead Ramović’s CR Belouizdad (CRB) has advanced to the semi-finals of the Algerian Cup, eliminating Rhulani Mokwena’s MC Alger (MCA) in a spectacular, five-goal extra-time epic.
The Nelson Mandela Stadium was a cauldron of noise as two of Algeria’s giants collided in a quarter-final that promised drama, primarily due to the intense, well-documented history between the two coaches during their tenures in South Africa’s Betway Premiership. Ramović (formerly TS Galaxy) and Mokwena (formerly Mamelodi Sundowns) brought their legendary tactical war to North Africa, and the result was a classic.
CR Belouizdad ultimately secured a 3-2 victory after extra time, ending Mokwena’s hopes of a domestic double and intensifying the pressure on the South African tactician after a recent CAF Champions League setback.
A First Half of Counter-Punching
The game started at a blistering pace, mirroring the aggressive styles both coaches advocate. It was CRB who drew first blood in the 16th minute. Seizing on a momentarily disorganized MCA defense, a perfectly whipped cross from Youcef Laouafi found the head of Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda, who powered the ball past the stranded MCA goalkeeper.
The goal stunned MC Alger, but Mokwena’s side, the current Ligue 1 leaders, showed resilience. Utilizing their characteristic possession-based play, they probed for weaknesses. In the 30th minute, their persistence paid off. A surging run into the CRB box resulted in a clumsy challenge, and the referee pointed to the spot. Ayoub Ghezala stepped up and coolly dispatched the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1.
Second Half Tension and Late Heartbreak
The second half began as a mirroring image of the first, with CRB striking quickly. Just two minutes after the restart, Naoufel Khacef capitalized on a loose ball in the box following a set-piece, slotting it home to make it 2-1 for CR Belouizdad.
With their backs against the wall, MC Alger pressed relentlessly. Their advantage increased significantly in the 80th minute when CRB defender was shown a second yellow card, reducing Ramović’s side to ten men.
Sensing blood, Mokwena threw caution to the wind, a move that seemed to backfire until the dying seconds of normal time. In the 90th minute, with the home fans already celebrating, Alhassane Bangoura found himself unmarked on the edge of the area and unleashed a powerful shot that deflected into the net, making it 2-2 and forcing the game into extra time.
The Extra-Time Decider and Ramović’s Vindication
The extra 30 minutes were a tactical battle of attrition, but CRB, despite being a man down, looked the more coherent side. In the 100th minute, a moment of individual brilliance proved to be the winner. The tireless Youcef Laouafi, having provided the assist for the first goal, danced past two MCA defenders before unleashing a stinging shot that nestled in the bottom corner.
MC Alger threw everything forward in the second period of extra time, but CRB defended heroically, securing a famous victory and sending Ramović to the semi-finals.
Analysis of the Rivalry
For Sead Ramović, this victory is a sweet vindication. CRB has endured a turbulent league campaign, sitting in mid-table, and the pressure was mounting on the German-Bosnian coach. Knocking out his main rival, who currently sits 10 points clear at the top of Ligue 1, buys Ramović crucial time and goodwill. The victory was a tactical masterpiece, showcasing the same pragmatic defensive organization and explosive transitions that frustrated Mokwena during their South African duels.
For Rhulani Mokwena, the result is a massive disappointment. While MC Alger remains on course for the league title, this elimination, coupled with their exit from the CAF Champions League group stage, raises questions about their performance in knockout competitions. The intense pressure and rumors connecting Mokwena with a potential move to Libya’s Al-Ittihad are only likely to intensify after this defeat.
The story of the “Mokwena vs. Ramović” rivalry has now written its most dramatic chapter yet, this time on North African soil. For now, it is Ramović who holds the bragging rights.
