Al-Hilal Stun Mamelodi Sundowns to Seize Control of Group C
Sudanese giants Al-Hilal SC secured a monumental 2-1 victory over South African powerhouses Mamelodi Sundowns on Friday night. The result catapults the Blue Wave to the summit of Group C, marking a significant shift in power as the continental tournament nears its knockout stages.
Playing at the Amahoro Stadium due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Al-Hilal displayed remarkable resilience and tactical discipline. The Sudanese side entered the match with a clear objective: to end their long-standing winless streak against the Pretoria-based Brazilians. While Sundowns controlled much of the early possession, the game transformed into a tactical chess match that Al-Hilal eventually cracked open just before the interval.
The breakthrough arrived deep into first-half stoppage time following a moment of uncharacteristic hesitation in the Sundowns backline. Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango committed a costly error by fouling Abdelrazig Omer inside the box. Al-Hilal’s captain and talisman, Mohamed Abdelrahman, took on the responsibility, coolly converting the penalty to send the home side into the break with a narrow lead.
The momentum stayed firmly with Al-Hilal as the second half commenced. Only four minutes after the restart, the lead was doubled through a moment of individual brilliance. Burundian international Jean Claude Girumugisha pounced on a loose ball in the midfield, driving forward before unleashing a stinging low shot from the edge of the area that beat Onyango at his near post.
Sundowns refused to capitulate and clawed their way back into the contest in the 61st minute. Brazilian substitute Arthur Sales provided a clinical finish following an assist from Peter Shalulile, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and setting up a frantic final half-hour. Despite intense pressure from the visitors, the Al-Hilal defense, anchored by a stellar performance from goalkeeper Farid Ouedraogo, held firm to secure all three points.
With this result, Al-Hilal now leads Group C with eight points from four matches. Mamelodi Sundowns remain on five points, while the upcoming clash between St Eloi Lupopo and MC Alger could further tighten the race for qualification. For the South African side, this defeat serves as a stern wake-up call; they must now find a way to navigate their remaining fixtures to ensure they don’t slip out of the top two.
