10-Man Al Hilal Overcome Own-Goal Setback to Edge MC Alger in CAF Opener
Despite playing at a temporary home in Rwanda and enduring a nervous finish with only ten men, Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman showed immense resilience to defeat Algerian champions MC Alger 2-1 on Friday, making a winning start to their 2025/26 CAF Champions League Group C campaign.
The match, played at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali due to the ongoing situation in Sudan, saw Al Hilal grab the initiative just before the interval. Abdelrazig Omer broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, converting an assist from Jean Girumugisha to take a slim lead into the halftime break.
MC Alger, coached by Rhulani Mokwena, responded by applying significant pressure on the hosts’ defence after the restart. They were rewarded in the 53rd minute when parity was restored via unfortunate means, as Al Hilal defender Mustafa Karshom turned the ball into his own net.
The hosts ultimately needed inspiration from the bench to retake control. Experienced forward Mohamed Abdelrahman proved to be a super-sub, hitting the back of the net in the 75th minute off a Steven Ebuela assist to restore Al Hilal’s advantage.
The final minutes were tense as Al Hilal were reduced to 10 players with three minutes remaining after Salaheldin Alhassan received his second yellow card of the match. However, the Sudanese side held firm to secure the vital victory, temporarily elevating them to the top of the Group C standings.
Matchday one action in both the Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup group stages is set to continue throughout Saturday and Sunday.
UPCOMING FIXTURES
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Saturday, November 22
15h00 – Mamelodi Sundowns v St Éloi Lupopo
15h00 – Young Africans v AS FAR Rabat
18h00 – Al Ahly v JS Kabylie
18h00 – Espérance Tunis v Stade Malien
21h00 – RS Berkane v Power Dynamos
21h00 – Pyramids FC v Rivers United
Sunday, November 23
15h00 – Simba SC v Petro Atlético
CONFEDERATION CUP
Saturday, November 22
21h00 – CR Belouizdad v Singida Black Stars
Sunday, November 23
15h00 – AS Maniema Union v Azam FC
15h00 – Stellenbosch FC v AS Otoho
18h00 – Al Masry v Kaizer Chiefs
18h00 – Djoliba v Olympic Club Saf
21h00 – USM Alger v FC San Pedro
21h00 – Wydad AC v Nairobi United
21h00 – Zamalek v Zesco United
