On Friday night, Al-Hilal astonished South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-1 victory in Kigali to claim Group C in the CAF Champions League, thereby ending a long wait for a victory over their prestigious rivals.
Performed at the Amahoro Stadium, the Matchday 4 match swung on moments of ruthlessness from the Sudanese side, who capitalised on Sundowns’ errors to climb to the top of the table at the halfway stage of the group phase.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Al-Hilal struck first after referee Mahmoud Nagy gave a penalty following a costly error by veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
Mohammed Abdel Rahman, an international forward, stepped forward and held his nerves to send Onyango the wrong way, enabling the Sudanese champions a well-deserved halftime lead.
Al-momentum stayed with them after the restart, doubling four minutes into the second half.
Jean Claude Girumugisha grabbed a loose ball on the perimeter of the field and fired a low shot beyond Onyango, a finish highlighting Sundowns’ increasing uneasiness and their opponents’ sharpness.
Sundowns reacted by speeding their pace and found a lifeline just beyond the hour mark.
With a composed finish from inside the penalty area, Brazilian replacement Arthur Sales reduced the gap and inspired the South Africans, creating a nervous final half-hour.
Sundowns could not find an equaliser despite ongoing pressure.
Defending with discipline and resilience, Al-Hilal slowed the game at key times and guarded their slim lead to guarantee a statement triumph on neutral soil.
The outcome moves Al-Hilal eight points and alone atop Group C, putting them in a good place going into the critical phase of the tournament.
While Sundowns remain second with five points and will need a great response in the return games to reaffirm their eligibility.
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Matchday 4 fixtures – (All times GMT)
Group C Result - Friday, 30 January — Al Hilal (SUD) 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)
Group B - Saturday, 31 January
13:00 — Young Africans SC (TAN) vs Al Ahly SC (EGY)
19:00 — AS FAR Rabat (MAR) vs JS Kabylie (ALG)
Group A - Sunday, 1 February
16:00 — Pyramids FC (EGY) vs RS Berkane (MAR)
16:00 — Rivers United (NGA) vs Power Dynamos (ZAM)
Group D - Saturday, 31 January
16:00 — Petro Atlético (ANG) vs Stade Malien (MLI)
Sunday, 1 February
13:00 — Simba SC (TAN) vs Espérance de Tunis (TUN)
Group C - Sunday, 1 February
19:00 — MC Alger (ALG) vs St Éloi Lupopo (DRC)
