By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Al-Hilal of Sudan clinched top spot in Group C of the CAF Champions League while Mamelodi Sundowns sealed qualification in second place after a decisive final round that saw MC Alger eliminated on Saturday.
The Sudanese champions edged Saint Eloi Lupopo 1-0 to finish on 11 points, two clear of Sundowns, who produced a commanding 2-0 victory over MC Alger to reach nine points and secure the remaining quarter-final berth.
Colombian forward Brian Leon Muniz opened the scoring in just the sixth minute, reacting quickest to a rebound from the Algerian goalkeeper to give the Sundowns an early breakthrough.
Knowing only a win would guarantee progression, Sundowns maintained control and doubled their lead in the 64th minute. Muniz again proved decisive, meeting a low cross inside the area and finishing clinically to complete his brace and effectively end MC Alger’s hopes.
The Algerian side, who began the day with seven points, pushed forward in search of a lifeline but were met by disciplined defending and tactical maturity from Sundowns. The final whistle confirmed their elimination, while the South African champions advanced with confidence.
The final standings see Al-Hilal top with 11 points, Sundowns second on nine, MC Alger third with seven, and Lupopo bottom on five. Hilal progress as group winners while Sundowns must prepare for a potentially tougher draw against one of the competition’s group leaders.