MC Alger Claim Crucial Victory Over Table-Toppers Al Hilal

MC Alger moved to within one point of the CAF Champions League summit with a commanding 2-1 victory over group leaders Al Hilal Omdurman at Ali La Pointe Stadium on Friday evening.

The hosts established complete control in the opening 45 minutes, with Mouad Anatouf breaking the deadlock on 15 minutes before Zinedine Ferhat doubled the advantage just before the interval. The commanding first-half performance saw MC Alger enter the break with a two-goal cushion that proved just enough to secure all three points.

Al Hilal’s evening began poorly when Mohanad Karshom received a yellow card in first-half stoppage time, epitomising the visitors’ struggles to match their opponents’ intensity. The Sudanese side’s response came through wholesale changes at the break, with manager introducing three fresh players in an attempt to wrestle back control.

The tactical reshuffle initially appeared to pay dividends as Al Hilal pressed for a route back into the contest. Their persistence was rewarded on 77 minutes when Abdelrahman M’Bracek pulled one back, setting up a nervy finale for the home support.

However, MC Alger’s discipline held firm despite late pressure. The hosts managed the closing stages professionally, with substitutions used strategically to maintain their advantage. Yellow cards for Ahmed Menezla and Mourad Benkhemassa reflected the increasing intensity as both sides committed fully to the decisive moments.

The victory sees MC Alger climb to within touching distance of Al Hilal, closing the gap at the summit to just one point with both sides having played five matches. More significantly, it demonstrates the Algerian outfit’s capacity to deliver when the stakes are highest, having now taken seven points from their five group stage encounters.

For Al Hilal, the defeat represents a missed opportunity to extend their lead at the top. Despite maintaining their position with eight points, their goal difference remains identical to MC Alger’s, ensuring the group remains finely balanced heading into the final fixtures.