A perfectly executed bicycle kick from Mubarak Abdullah was the difference on Wednesday as Al Merriekh triumphed over Sudanese rivals Al Hilal by a 1-0 score in their derby clash from Mauritania's top flight Super D1.
Abdullah's spectacular strike came in the 85th minute against Hilal who were severely weakened after Yaser Awad and goalkeeper Issa Fofana were issued red cards in the first half. The 21-year-old former Sudan youth national team player Mubarak connected perfectly straight from a corner kick to provide the decisive moment.
The result is a momentum boost for Merreikh who got off to a slow start this season with both Sudanese giants competing in Mauritania's top flight due to the ongoing war in Sudan. The reality remains that it is likely inevitable that Hilal will reach the top considering they are only six points behind league leaders FC Nouadhibou with four less matches played.
However, the victory for Merreikh could be the spark that allows them to gain ground on the rest of the top-5 clubs. They are two points back of Al Hilal, Chemal and AS Douanes in fifth place as the league enters the final third of the campaign.
League Table (Top-5)
GP | Points | |
FC Nouadhibou | 19 | 37 |
Al Hilal SC | 15 | 31 |
Chemal | 18 | 31 |
AS Douanes | 18 | 31 |
Al Merreikh | 19 | 29 |
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