Al-Hilal of Sudan secured the top position in Group C of the CAF Champions League, while Mamelodi Sundowns clinched the second spot after a thrilling final round that led to the elimination of MC Alger on Saturday.
The Sudanese champions narrowly defeated Saint Eloi Lupopo 1-0, finishing the group stage with 11 points, two ahead of Sundowns, who achieved a decisive 2-0 victory over MC Alger to end with nine points and secure the final spot in the quarter-finals.
With all four teams still in contention as they entered Matchday 6, the group maintained high tension right until the final whistle.
Al-Hilal 1-0 Saint Eloi LupopoIn Omdurman, Al-Hilal knew that a win would secure them first place, regardless of the outcome of the other match. They took control midway through the first half when Stephen Ebola struck in the 26th minute, sending a powerful low shot past the Lupopo keeper, which eased the nerves in the stadium.
However, the match was far from simple. Mohamed Abdel Rahman Gharbal appealed for a penalty in the 18th minute after being brought down in the area, but the referee waved play on. The challenge for Lupopo intensified just before half-time when Bedi Junior received a second yellow card for pulling an opponent’s shirt, leaving them with ten men.
Even with this setback, the Congolese side thought they found an equaliser in the 72nd minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Just moments later, Al-Hilal also had to cope with a red card issued to Salah Adel in the 76th minute, making for a nail-biting finish. Nevertheless, the Sudanese side held their ground, preserving their slim lead and securing their status as group winners.
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 MC AlgerIn Pretoria, Sundowns wasted no time in asserting their dominance against MC Alger. Colombian forward Brian Leon Muniz found the net in the sixth minute, reacting swiftly to a rebound from the Algerian goalkeeper and putting the South African side ahead early on.
Knowing that only a win could guarantee their progression, Sundowns maintained their grip on the game, doubling their lead in the 64th minute. Muniz was once again the star, connecting with a low cross inside the area and finishing sharply to complete his brace and effectively dash MC Alger’s hopes.
Despite beginning the day with seven points, the Algerian side pushed forward in search of a goal but were met with disciplined defending and tactical maturity from Sundowns. The final whistle sealed their elimination, while the South African champions advanced confidently.
In the final standings, Al-Hilal topped the group with 11 points, followed by Sundowns with nine, MC Alger in third with seven, and Lupopo at the bottom with five.
Having progressed as group winners, Hilal will face one of the runners-up from other groups, while Sundowns will prepare for a potentially tougher draw against a group leader in the quarter-finals.
Group C, which showcased balance and drama throughout the campaign, brought the excitement to a fitting conclusion with two worthy quarter-finalists emerging.
