CR Belouizdad head coach Nabil Kouki has defended his side after the widespread criticism over the 4-1 thumping at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns in their CAF Champions League first-leg quarter-final in Algiers.
Sundowns romped to a healthy first-leg advantage with Peter Shalulile bagging a brace, Neo Meama scoring one of the goals of the tournament and Cassius Mailula adding a late fourth at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Miloud Rebiaï’s goal to make it 2-1 just before the break proved nothing more than a consolation as Belouizdad needs four unanswered goals in Tshwane next week to progress to the semi-finals where Simba SC or reigning champions Wydad Atheltic Club await.
“We faced a strong team who was already favorites,” he said. “Our defensive system was not at the level [required], and we made many mistakes against a strong attack-minded opponent.”
He cited the absence of defensive midfielder Houssem Mrezigue, who featured in every minute of their campaign prior to the Sundowns clash, and the lack of match fitness of playmaker Zakaria Draoui in midfield as a key issue.
“The absence of Mrezigue, and the complete lack of readiness of Zakaria Draoui affected us and we tried to work to achieve balance as much as possible during the match.”
But when pressed about where they lost control of the outcome, he stated: “The first goal affected us, just as conceding the third goal, which was five minutes after the start of the second half, affected the players a lot.
“But I am used to pressure [and criciticism], and the records achieved by the Belouizdad this season speak for themselves. We will travel to South Africa in order to show a different side of us, although the task will be very difficult.”
The Algerian Ligue 1 champions will face off against Masandawana at Loftus Versveld on Saturday afternoon at 14h00.
