Kigali: Al-Hilal secured top spot in Group C and qualified for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals after defeating DR Congo's Saint-€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬°loi Lupopo 1-0 at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali in the final round of the group stage.
According to Sudan News Agency, Minister of Youth and Sports Professor Ahmed Adam Ahmed extended warm congratulations to the club, describing the qualification as a prestigious achievement for Sudanese football. He affirmed that the success reflects the dedication of the players and the efforts of both the technical and administrative staff, expressing hopes for continued continental success and raising Sudan's flag high in Africa.
Al Hilal opened the scoring in the 28th minute through a powerful strike from defender Ebola, following a precise right-flank run and assist from Abdel-Raouf. Lupopo's former Al-Hilal player, George Mendy, was sent off just before halftime, leaving the visitors with ten men.
In the second half, despite Lupopo's resilience, Al Hilal managed the game with experience. Salih Adil was sent off in the 74th minute, but defensive substitutions preserved the 1-0 lead. The win brought Al Hilal to 11 points, securing first place in the group.