Al Hilal of Sudan claimed a historic 2-1 victory over South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Friday night at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali to move clear at the top of Group C in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
The Sudanese side began matchday four with intensity and purpose, pressing high and capitalising on uncharacteristic errors from Sundowns. Al Hilal created several openings in the early stages but lacked composure in front of goal until the closing moments of the first half.
Their breakthrough finally arrived in stoppage time before the interval when Mohammed Abdel Rahman calmly converted from the penalty spot after Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango brought down an attacker inside the area.
Al Hilal carried their momentum into the second half and doubled their advantage just four minutes after the restart. Jean Claude Girumugisha reacted quickest to a loose ball on the edge of the box and drove a low effort beyond Onyango, leaving Sundowns visibly rattled as the Sudanese champions tightened their grip on the contest.
Sundowns responded by increasing the tempo and pushing numbers forward, and their efforts were rewarded shortly after the hour mark. Brazilian substitute Arthur Sales pulled a goal back with a composed finish from close range, lifting belief within the South African side and setting up a tense final half hour.
Despite sustained pressure and territorial dominance in the closing stages, Sundowns were unable to find a second goal as Al Hilal defended resolutely to see out a famous win.
The result lifts Al Hilal to eight points from four matches, giving them sole possession of top spot in Group C and placing them in a strong position heading into the decisive phase of the group stage. Sundowns remain second on five points and will need positive results in their remaining fixtures to secure qualification.
