CAF Champions League: Quarter-Final Line-Up Takes Shape After Final-Day Drama

CAF Champions League: Quarter-Final Line-Up Takes Shape After Final-Day Drama

By Admin 

Sudan’s Al-Hilal Omdurman secured first place in Group C of the CAF Champions League with a narrow 1–0 victory over Saint Eloi Lupopo, while Mamelodi Sundowns claimed the second qualifying berth after defeating MC Alger 2–0, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

With all four teams still in contention heading into the final round, Group C delivered tension until the closing whistle.

In Omdurman, Stephen Eboa’s 26th-minute strike proved decisive for Al-Hilal, who finished on 11 points. The match was not without controversy and late drama, including a disallowed Lupopo goal and red cards for both sides, but the Sudanese champions held firm to secure top spot.

In Pretoria, Sundowns produced a composed display under pressure. Colombian forward Brian León opened the scoring in the sixth minute and completed his brace in the 64th, sealing a crucial win that lifted the South African side to nine points. MC Alger, who began the day with seven, were eliminated despite a spirited effort.

The final Group C standings saw Al-Hilal finish first with 11 points, Sundowns second on nine, MC Alger third with seven, and Lupopo bottom on five.

Esperance Join Stade Malien in Quarter-Finals

In Group D, Espérance Sportive de Tunis secured their place in the last eight with a 2–0 victory over Petro de Luanda, while Stade Malien confirmed top position after edging Simba SC 1–0.

Esperance delivered a disciplined performance in Rades. After a cautious opening half, Aboubacar Diakité struck immediately after the restart to hand the Tunisian side control. Jacques Diarra added a second in the 81st minute, ensuring qualification with authority as Petro were eliminated.

In Bamako, Stade Malien set the tone early through Anicet Wara’s fourth-minute goal. The Malian champions managed the contest effectively thereafter to secure a narrow but sufficient victory and finish the group stage with 11 points.

Group D concluded with Stade Malien top on 11 points, Esperance second with nine, Petro Atletico third on six and Simba bottom with five.

With the group phase complete, the quarter-final line-up is now set, and Africa’s elite clubs turn their focus to the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League.