TotalEnergies CAF Champions League: Al-Hilal, Esperance, Stade Malien, Sundowns advance to quarter-finals
Al-Hilal of Sudan clinched top spot in Group C of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, while Mamelodi Sundowns secured the remaining quarter-final berth following a decisive final round that saw MC Alger eliminated on Saturday.
The Sudanese champions edged Saint Eloi Lupopo 1-0 to finish on 11 points, two ahead of Sundowns, who recorded a commanding 2-0 victory over MC Alger to reach nine points and claim second place. With all four teams entering Matchday six still in contention, the group delivered tension until the final whistle.
In Omdurman, Al-Hilal knew a victory would guarantee first place regardless of other results. Stephen Ebola broke the deadlock in the 26th minute with a powerful low strike, giving the home side control. Lupopo’s challenge worsened just before half-time when Bedi Junior was sent off for a second yellow card. Despite playing with 10 men, Lupopo thought they had equalised in the 72nd minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Al-Hilal themselves were reduced to ten men when Salah Adel received a red card in the 76th minute, setting up a tense finale.
Meanwhile in Pretoria, Sundowns wasted no time asserting themselves against MC Alger. Colombian forward Brian Leon Muniz opened the scoring in the sixth minute, reacting fastest to a rebound. He doubled his tally in the 64th minute to secure the win, effectively ending MC Alger’s hopes of progression. Disciplined defending and tactical maturity ensured Sundowns’ advance with confidence.
The final Group C standings saw Al-Hilal top with 11 points, Sundowns second on nine, MC Alger third with seven, and Lupopo bottom with five. Al-Hilal will face one of the runners-up from other groups, while Sundowns prepare for a potentially tougher draw against a group leader.
In Group D action, Stade Malien confirmed top spot after a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania’s Simba SC, with Anicet Wara scoring in the fourth minute. The Malian side controlled proceedings from the early breakthrough.
Esperance of Tunisia secured second place in the group with a 2-0 victory over Petro Atletico at the Rades Stadium, advancing to the quarter-finals alongside Stade Malien.
Group C and D provided drama until the end, producing four worthy quarter-finalists: Al-Hilal, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stade Malien, and Esperance.
—CAFonline.com
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