Ten time CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly of Egypt made a disappointing debut in Group B on Saturday, losing 1-0 away to Al Hilal of Sudan.
Al Hilal Omdurman registered their first victory in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League by defeating Al Ahly of Cairo 1-0 on Saturday February 18, 2023 at the Al Hilal stadium. The game counted for the second day of group B.
In Al Hilal’s grounds that sounded hollow, because of its non-compliance to welcome supporters, the Sudanese defending champion surprised their counterparts from Egypt. Democratic Republic of Congo-born Makabi Lilepo scored the match-winner on 54 minutes, guiding an angled free-kick over goalkeeper Mohamed el Shenawy into the roof of the net.
Lilepo later saw his weakly-struck penalty saved by El Shenawy and Hilal captain Mohamed Abdelrahman had a goal ruled offside in Omdurman.
Beaten by Mamelodi Sundowns (1-0) on the first day, Al Hilal now find themselves second (3 points) behind the South Africans (6 points). For its part, Al Ahly, who did not play the first match against Coton Sport because of their participation in the Club World Cup, would have an opportunity to redeem themselves when they receive the Brazilians on February 25.
By Brian Mboh