jasdooit

Friday, January 30 Al-Hilal Omdurman 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns Al Hilal Omdurman delivered a confident and commanding performance at home to overcome Mamelodi Sundowns and make a major move towards qualifying from CAF Champions League Group C following Friday night’s match at Amahoro Stadium on January 30. The Sudanese team set the pace from the start, controlling possession against a Sundowns side that mainly aimed to restrict space and counter-attack. Although the visitors had some isolated chances, it was Al Hilal—currently leading the Rwanda Premier League—who gradually took control of the game. Their dominance in midfield and the support of a passionate home crowd helped them gain confidence as the first half progressed. Just as the opening period seemed destined for a goalless draw, Mohamed Abdel Rahman created the breakthrough in stoppage time. After five minutes of added time were indicated, Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango gave away a penalty, which Abdel Rahman converted with ease to put Al Hilal ahead 1-0 at halftime. Al Hilal extended their lead shortly after the break. In the early moments of the second half, Jean Claude Girumugisha fired a strong right-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom-left corner to double the hosts’ advantage. Mamelodi Sundowns responded through Arthur Sales, who scored a great left-footed finish from the center of the box into the top-right corner, briefly reviving hopes of a comeback. The South African champions pushed harder in the final stages and looked increasingly threatening, but Al Hilal remained resilient, managing the game effectively to see it out until the final whistle. The win places Al Hilal Omdurman at the top of Group C with eight points, three ahead of Sundowns. The South Africans could drop to third place if St Éloi Lupopo secure a victory away against MC Alger on Saturday at Stade Ali-la-Pointe. Group C standings 1. Al Hilal 8 2. Mamelodi Sundowns 5 3. St Eloi Lupopo 4 (-1) 4. MC Alger 1 (-1)

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).