Sundowns Slip as Al-Hilal Go Top of CAF Champions League Group

Sundowns Slip as Al-Hilal Go Top of CAF Champions League Group

By Admin 

Sudanese side Al-Hilal recorded a landmark 2–1 victory over South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Friday night to take firm control of Group C in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Matchday 4 encounter, played at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, saw Al-Hilal capitalise on key defensive lapses by Sundowns to secure their first win over the Pretoria-based club in continental competition and move clear at the top of the group.

Al-Hilal took the lead deep into first-half stoppage time after Egyptian referee Mahmoud Nagy awarded a penalty following an error by veteran Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango. Mohammed Abdel Rahman converted confidently, sending Onyango the wrong way to give the Sudanese champions a deserved advantage at the interval.

The momentum carried into the second half, with Al-Hilal doubling their lead just four minutes after the restart. Jean Claude Girumugisha reacted quickest to a loose ball at the edge of the penalty area and fired a low, accurate effort past Onyango to underline Sundowns’ growing defensive discomfort.

Sundowns responded by increasing the tempo and were rewarded shortly after the hour mark when Brazilian substitute Arthur Sales pulled a goal back from close range, setting up a tense final half-hour.

Despite sustained pressure from the South African side, Al-Hilal’s defence remained organised and disciplined. The Sudanese outfit managed the closing stages effectively, disrupting Sundowns’ rhythm and seeing out the match to secure a crucial three points.

The result lifts Al-Hilal to eight points at the top of Group C at the halfway stage of the group phase. Sundowns, now on five points, face added pressure to deliver positive results in their remaining fixtures as they bid to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.