Friday, January 30 Al-Hilal Omdurman 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns Al Hilal Omdurman produced a composed and authoritative performance at home to defeat Mamelodi Sundowns and take a significant step toward qualification from CAF Champions League Group C following Friday night’s clash at Amahoro Stadium on January 30. The Sudanese giants set the tone from the opening whistle, dominating possession against a Sundowns side whose tactical approach was largely focused on limiting space and hitting on the counter. While the visitors had a few isolated moments going forward, it was Al Hilal—currently top of the Rwanda Premier League—who steadily imposed themselves on the contest. Their control in midfield and the backing of a vocal home crowd helped them grow in confidence as the first half progressed. Just as the opening period appeared to be heading for a goalless conclusion, Mohamed Abdel Rahman delivered the breakthrough deep into stoppage time. After five minutes of added time were signalled, Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango conceded a penalty, which Abdel Rahman calmly converted to give Al Hilal a 1–0 lead at halftime. Al Hilal struck again shortly after the restart. In the opening minutes of the second half, Jean Claude Girumugisha unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box into the bottom-left corner to double the hosts’ advantage. Mamelodi Sundowns responded through Arthur Sales, who pulled one back with a fine left-footed finish from the centre of the box into the top-right corner, briefly reigniting hopes of a comeback. The South African champions pushed harder in the closing stages and looked increasingly dangerous, but Al Hilal held firm, managing the game well to see it through to the final whistle. The victory lifts Al Hilal Omdurman to the top of Group C on eight points, three clear of Sundowns. The South Africans could slip to third place should St Éloi Lupopo secure victory away to MC Alger on Saturday at Stade Ali-la-Pointe. Group C standings 1. Al Hilal 8 2. Mamelodi Sundowns 5 3. St Eloi Lupopo 4 (-1) 4. MC Alger 1 (-1)
