Sudanese giants Al-Hilal Omdurman advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after completing a 3-0 aggregate victory over Burundi’s Aigle Noir CS in their two-legged first-round tie. Al-Hilal sealed qualification with a 1-0 victory over the Burundian champions in the second leg at Amahoro Stadium on Saturday, September 12, adding to their 2-0 away win in the first leg in Bujumbura. Ahmed Salem M’Bareck scored the only goal of the return leg, ensuring the Sudanese champions maintained their dominance over Aigle Noir across the two matches. Aigle Noir needed a strong performance to overturn the two-goal deficit, but Al-Hilal remained well organised defensively and controlled the key moments of the match to protect their advantage. M’Bareck’s goal further dented the Burundian side’s hopes of a comeback as Al-Hilal completed the tie without conceding, underlining their defensive solidity and experience on the continental stage. With qualification secured, Al-Hilal will face either Chad’s Aiglons FC or Ethiopia’s Sidama Bunna FC in the second preliminary round.
