In a thrilling encounter at the Al-Hilal Stadium in Omdurman, Sudan, Al-Hilal Omdurman secured their spot in the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a commanding 3-1 victory over Kenya’s Police FC, sealing a 4-1 aggregate triumph in the second preliminary round.
Having entered the match with a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg, the Sudanese giants displayed their superior quality and tactical prowess right from the kickoff. The hosts dominated the first half, showcasing impressive ball control and strategic play that kept Police FC on the back foot.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Sunday Adetunji rose above the opposition defenders to expertly direct a header past the beleaguered goalkeeper, putting Al-Hilal ahead 1-0 on the night and doubling their lead in the aggregate score to 2-0. With their confidence soaring, the home team dictated the game tempo, leaving their opponents struggling to create significant chances.
After the halftime break, Police FC responded with renewed vigor, embarking on a more aggressive approach. Their efforts paid off in the 53rd minute when Erick Zakayo skillfully finished off a rare counterattack, leveling the match temporarily and narrowing the aggregate gap to 2-1. This goal posed a real test for Al-Hilal’s composure, but it took them just eleven minutes to regain control.
Adetunji, proving to be a constant threat throughout the match, once again found the net in the 64th minute. Timing his run perfectly, he converted a low cross at the near post, restoring Al-Hilal’s advantage to 2-1 and allowing the team to reclaim their authoritative stance in the match.
From that point on, the Sudanese side managed the game with professionalism, expertly controlling the midfield and stifling any further attempts from Police FC, which primarily resorted to long-range shots that rarely troubled Al-Hilal’s defense.
As the match drew to a close, Al-Hilal capped off their dominant performance with a stoppage-time goal from Ahmed Salem, who pounced on a rebound to make it 3-1. This final strike not only solidified their victory on the night but also confirmed a convincing 4-1 aggregate progression in the tournament.
With this impressive win, Al-Hilal Omdurman now looks ahead to the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition, eager to extend their illustrious record in the CAF Champions League and continue their quest for continental glory.
