Published: September 29, 2025
MONROVIA — FC Fassell head coach Amir Alagic blamed a short preseason and a string of injuries for his side’s 3-0 defeat to Algeria’s MC Alger in the CAF Champions League on Saturday.
The Liberian champions exited in the first preliminary round after a goalless draw at home last weekend. Saturday’s return leg at the July 5 Stadium was played behind closed doors.
Ayoub Abdellaoui put the hosts ahead in the 19th minute, Soufiane Bayazid doubled the lead just before halftime, and Amine Messoussa sealed the win in the 90th. Fassell’s best chance came early, when midfielder Josiah Cea forced a sharp save from the Algerian goalkeeper.
“We must be clear and honest — we’re just coming out of preseason,” Alagic said. “MC Alger is already playing league football; we don’t start until October. We had injuries, five players got hurt in Egypt and weren’t ready. You cannot perform against a powerful team like MC Alger.”
The Bosnian-Australian coach said the club will regroup for Sunday’s Liberia Football Association Super Cup final against Blackman Warriors at the refurbished Gompa Sports Pitch in Ganta, Nimba County.
MC Alger’s South African manager, Mokwena Rulani, hailed the victory but credited Fassell’s quality.
“We won against a very, very good team,” Mokwena said. “Don’t look at the scoreline and water down the performance and mentality of the players. The objective isn’t mine, it’s the club’s. The club wants to do better than last season.”
MC Alger, the 1976 African champions, advance to face either Cameroon’s Colombe Sportive or Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf for a spot in the group stage.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, Liberia FA Cup winners Blackman Warriors were eliminated after a 4-1 aggregate loss to Benin’s Coton Sport in Lome, Togo. The hosts scored in the 10th and 22nd minutes to take a 2-0 halftime lead, added a third in the 79th and wrapped up the win in the 90th. Blackman Warriors managed a late consolation in their continental debut.
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