Saturday, September 5

Aigle Noir CS 0-2 Al Hilal SC

Al Hilal SC made a strong start to their CAF Champions League campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Burundi’s Aigle Noir CS in the first leg of the first preliminary round in Bujumbura.

The Sudanese champions produced a composed and disciplined performance away from home, taking control of the match from the opening stages.

Their early dominance was rewarded in the 17th minute when Yaser Awad Boshara Omer broke the deadlock to give the visitors the lead and silence the home crowd.

Aigle Noir attempted to respond but struggled to break down a well-organised Al Hilal defence.

The visitors remained in control for much of the encounter, using their experience and tactical discipline to limit the hosts’ attacking opportunities while creating chances of their own.

Al Hilal doubled their advantage in the 54th minute when Ahmed Salem M’bareck found the net, putting the Sudanese side firmly in command of the tie.

The second goal dealt a major blow to Aigle Noir’s hopes of a comeback, as the Burundian side struggled to create clear opportunities during the remainder of the match.

The result gives Al Hilal a two-goal advantage and, equally importantly, a clean sheet heading into the return leg.

The Sudanese giants executed their game plan effectively, combining defensive solidity with clinical finishing when opportunities arose.

For Aigle Noir, the task is now considerably more difficult. They must overturn a two-goal deficit in the return leg, with Al Hilal set to host the decisive encounter in Kigali next week.