Abdelrahman winner lifts 10-man Hilal to opening-day victory over MC Alger

Al Hilal made a winning start to the 2025–26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage, defeating MC Alger 2-1 at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium on Friday to take early control of Group C.

Abdelrazek Omar struck in first-half added time (45+2) and Mohamed Abdelrahman — “Al Gharbal” — restored the lead with a crisp finish on 75 minutes after MC Alger had levelled through a deflected own goal off Mustafa Kershom eight minutes into the second half.

The Sudanese champions were made to work for the points after midfielder Salah Adel was dismissed for a second yellow card on 87 minutes, but Florent Ibengé’s side held firm through a tense finale to bank the first three points of their campaign. 

The victory puts Al Hilal top of the group ahead of Saturday’s tie between Mamelodi Sundowns and St Éloi Lupopo.

Al Hilal struck at key moments to claim a valuable opening-day win. Omar broke the deadlock just before the interval, timing his run to meet a precise pass and slotting beyond the goalkeeper for 1-0.

Josef Zinnbauer’s MC Alger responded immediately after the restart, pushing higher and forcing the equaliser on 53 minutes when a driven ball ricocheted off Kershom and into the Hilal net.

With the game finely poised, Hilal reasserted control. A flowing move down the right created space for Abdelrahman, who drove home from the edge of the area on 75 minutes to make it 2-1.

The Sudanese side finished with 10 players after Adel’s late dismissal, but disciplined defending and assured goalkeeping saw them ride out five added minutes to secure a statement win away from home.