Sudanese Giants Al Hilal Shock MC Alger

"Al Hilal" make a significant mark on the Champions League after defeating "MC Alger".

Sudanese powerhouse "Al Hilal" secured an unexpected 1-0 victory over "MC Alger" in Algiers on Saturday night, extending their impeccable run in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage.

The match was closely contested, but a decisive header from Guessouma Fofana in the 76th minute clinched the third consecutive win for the Sudanese team. "Hilal" took advantage of a set piece, with Mohamed Abdelrahman assisting Fofana's precise strike. "MC Alger" pressed hard for an equalizer but were thwarted by goalkeeper Issa Fofana's impressive performance. "Al Hilal" now comfortably leads Group A with nine points, while "MC Alger" holds second place with four points, ahead of "Mazembe" and "Young Africans" ("Yanga") who drew 1-1 in Kinshasa earlier on Saturday.

Despite trailing for much of the match, "Yanga" salvaged a crucial point with a dramatic late equalizer thanks to Prince Dube. "Mazembe" looked poised to claim all three points when substitute Cheick Fofana, arriving in the 35th minute, broke the deadlock in the 41st minute. However, the Tanzanian team refused to concede. In the 94th minute, the ball found its way to Prince Dube, who coolly slotted it past the "Mazembe" goalkeeper to level the score.

"Esperance" delivered a dominating performance defeating "Pyramids" 2-0 in Rades, rising to the top of Group D in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League. The Tunisians were sharp in the first half, with Youcef Belaïli opening the scoring in the 36th minute with a crafted finish. Just before halftime, Elias Mokwana doubled the lead following a swift counterattack. "Esperance" leads Group D with seven points, while "Pyramids" are second with four points, ahead of Sunday's clash between "Sagrada Esperança" and "Djoliba".

Elsewhere, "Orlando Pirates" missed a chance to extend their lead at the top of Group C after being held to a 1-1 draw by "Stade d’Abidjan" in Abidjan on Saturday. Evidence Makgopa put the visitors ahead in the 45th minute, converting a penalty after Relebohile Mofokeng was fouled in the box. The "Buccaneers" appeared set to take all three points before Ousmane Méité’s 53rd-minute header leveled the score for the Ivorian side. The hosts dominated the late stages, with Youssouf Koné and Babacar Guèye testing "Orlando Pirates'" defense. However, goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was up to the task, ensuring the "Pirates" left with a point. The result keeps "Pirates" at the top of Group C with five points, but "Al Ahly," with a game in hand, lurks just a point behind.

In another fixture, "AS FAR" and "Maniema Union" shared the spoils in Group B after a 1-1 draw at the Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte in Kinshasa. The match took a turn in the 37th minute when "Maniema Union" took the lead. A well-executed corner by Agee Basiala found Exaucia Moanda at the edge of the six-yard box. Moanda, demonstrating great poise, dispatched a right-footed strike into the net, giving the home side a deserved advantage at halftime. A precise finish from To Carneiro in the 62nd minute ensured the visitors would not leave empty-handed. The result leaves "AS FAR" at the top of Group B with five points from three matches, while "Maniema Union" remains in second place with three points.