The reigning Algerian champions had hoped to end their 50-year wait for an African title, their last triumph coming in 1976.
However, they were eliminated in the group stage after failing to get past Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Hilal, and DR Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo in Group C.
While they had shown promise in the preliminary rounds with wins over Liberia’s Fassell and Cameroon’s Colombe Sportive, their performance in the group stage fell short, and they finished third.
The Guinean midfielder admitted the club’s disappointment but said the lessons learned would be valuable as MC Alger looks to bounce back.
"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, and now we’re out. Losing three of six games cost us dearly and we are disappointed.
"Personally, I want to focus on the positives because this tournament showed us our strengths and the areas we need to improve. We have a good squad, we prepared well, and this experience will make us better.
"Every match taught us something important. We will work harder, learn from our mistakes, and come back stronger next season. This setback is only part of the journey, and I’m sure MC Alger will rise again and make our fans proud."
MC Alger made history as the first Algerian team to win the CAF Champions League, defeating Guinea’s Hafia FC in a closely contested final. ES Setif became the last Algerian club to claim the African crown, beating DR Congo’s AS Vita in 2014.
When asked whether the weight of expectations from Algerian fans contributed to their early exit this season, he added: "Not at all. Winning the trophy would have been a great source of pride, but I wouldn’t say there was pressure on us.
"We gave our all and did everything we could, yet the result just didn’t go our way. Unfortunately, we don’t have another chance to correct our mistakes this time.
"Now, our focus is on the matches ahead and the domestic competitions that await us. We will learn from this experience and work hard to come back stronger in the future."
On the domestic front, MC Alger are well on course to defend their title, leading the Algerian top flight with 36 points from 15 matches. Constantine occupy the second spot with 32 points despite playing four more games.
Even in the lead, Bangoura stressed that the team is taking things one match at a time, focusing on each game as it comes and working hard to stay at the top of the table.
"I am not going to make promises, but I can assure you that we will take each match as it comes," he continued.
"Of course, it would be wonderful to win the league title again, but we know success comes through our performance on the pitch.
"We must stay focused and avoid mistakes that could derail us. Every game is an opportunity to prove ourselves, and stay determined so that we give ourselves the best chance to lift the trophy once more."
Record 12-time champions Al Ahly will face Esperance in the quarter-finals, while defending champions Pyramids FC travel to Morocco to meet AS FAR.
Other ties include Mamelodi Sundowns versus Stade Malien and RS Berkane vs Al Hilal. The last eight fixtures are scheduled between March 13–22, 2026.
