A thrilling Group C showdown in the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League saw Al Hilal SC claim a significant 2–1 victory over South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, seizing control of the group and leaving Sundowns with serious work to do in the race for the knockout stages.
The high-stakes clash featured intense drama and pivotal moments that swung the balance in favour of the Sudanese champions.
Mohamed Abdelrahman (Al Hilal) opened the scoring with a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time, after Sundowns’ goalkeeper Denis Onyango was adjudged to have fouled an attacker in the box.
Jean Claude Girumugish extended the lead early in the second half, capitalising on a loose ball to make it 2–0 just minutes after the restart.
Sundowns responded with Arthur Sales pulling one back midway through the second half, firing into the top corner to set up a tense finish.
Despite sustained pressure and late openings, Sundowns could not find the equaliser and Al Hilal held firm to secure the crucial three points.
The result catapulted Al Hilal to the top of Group C with eight points, while Mamelodi Sundowns dropped to second place on five points. The loss represents a blow to Sundowns’ hopes of early qualification and increases the pressure for their upcoming fixtures.
Leave feedback about this