Alhassane Bangoura looks ahead after MC Alger's CAF Champions League exit

The reigning Algerian champions had hoped to end a 50-year wait for another African title, their last continental triumph dating back to 1976.

They had shown promise in the preliminary rounds with wins over Liberia's Fassell FC and Cameroon's Colombe Sportive, but Group C proved much tougher. Facing Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Hilal, and DR Congo's Saint-Eloi Lupopo, MC Alger finished third, falling short of the knockout stages.

"This wasn't how we wanted our CAF Champions League campaign to end, but football can be tough sometimes," Bangoura told Flashscore.

"Like every team, we came in hoping to win the title, but things didn't go our way. Losing three of six games cost us dearly, and we are disappointed.

"Personally, I want to focus on the positives. This tournament showed us our strengths and the areas we need to improve. We have a good squad, we prepared well, and every match taught us something important. We will work harder, learn from our mistakes, and come back stronger next season. This setback is part of the journey, and I'm sure MC Alger will rise again and make our fans proud."

Despite their continental disappointment, MC Alger remain strong domestically. They top the Algerian league with 36 points from 15 matches, ahead of second-placed Constantine. Bangoura stressed the importance of focusing on each game individually.

"Every match is an opportunity to prove ourselves. Success comes from our performance on the pitch. We must stay focused, avoid mistakes, and give ourselves the best chance to lift the trophy again."

Looking ahead, the CAF Champions League quarter-finals are scheduled between March 13-22, 2026, with record 12-time winners Al Ahly facing Esperance, defending champions Pyramids FC taking on AS FAR, Mamelodi Sundowns meeting Stade Malien, and RS Berkane playing Al Hilal.