St Éloi Lupopo secured a vital 1-1 draw against Sudanese champions Al Hilal Omdurman in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Sunday. The match showcased a dramatic ebb and flow, culminating in Lupopo’s late equalizer, which keeps Group C tightly contested after the second round of fixtures.
Al-Hilal made a blistering start, seizing the lead in the 12th minute when Abdelraziq Omer capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball home from close range.
Their early goal underscored the visitors’ attacking intent, as they maintained pressure on the Lupopo defense, causing frustration among the home side. This frustration boiled over when Lupopo’s captain, Issama Mpeko, received a yellow card before the end of the first half, reflecting the mounting pressure.
After the break, Lupopo emerged with renewed vigor, making tactical adjustments that shifted the momentum of the game in their favor. The home crowd rallied behind their team, and the sustained pressure on Al-Hilal’s defense paid off when Ramos Kashala found the back of the net in the 79th minute. After a scramble in the box, Kashala efficiently slid the ball in, igniting celebrations among the home supporters.
Despite their late equalizer, Lupopo remained on high alert as Al-Hilal looked to snatch a late winner. Tension surged on the field, leading to a flurry of bookings, including a yellow card for Lupopo substitute Mika Miche during stoppage time as both teams jockeyed for superiority.
The draw leaves Group C finely balanced, with Mamelodi Sundowns at the top on goal difference, having four points, followed closely by Al-Hilal. MC Alger holds third place with two points, while Lupopo sits at the bottom with a single point from two matches. Both teams will be eager to build on this result when they return to continental action in January, with Lupopo seeking their first group stage win and Al-Hilal aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak.