Sudan's Al-Hilal remained perfect in Group A of the CAF Champions League on Saturday after stunning hosts MC Alger with a 1-0 victory in Algiers. Mauritania national team midfielder Guessouma Fofana headed in the only goal of the match in the 76th minute to confirm three wins from three matches for Hilal who are almost guaranteed to qualify for the quarterfinals. MCA remain in second place on four points with TP Mazembe and Young Africans on the chase.
It could have been a very different story on Saturday evening for Hilal who would have gone behind early if it wasn't for the efforts of talented young goalkeeper Issa Fofana. The Ivorian denied MCA midfielder Zakaria Draoui in the opening minute and came up with another save before ten minutes expired.
Hilal made adjustments after surviving the early siege and began to impose themselves, particularly on the flanks where fullbacks Steven Ebuela and Khadim Diaw were influential. The impotent MCA attack failed to replicate the early danger with striker Andy Delort once again failing to impact the match.
The scoreless match and lack of home supporters due to a CAF punishment created more uncertainty for hosts MCA and Hilal found the winning goal in the final quarter hour. Captain and Sudan national team star Mohamed Abdelrahman sent in a free kick from the left wing and poor marking from MCA allowed Fofana a free header from close range that left goalkeeper Abdelatif Ramdane with no chance.
Highlights
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