Al Hilal strike twice to sink Sundowns in Group C showdown

The result sees the Sudanese side strengthened their grip at the top of the table.

The result piled pressure on Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso after his side struggled to cope with Al Hilal's aggressive approach throughout the match. The Brazilians now faced the risk of dropping to third in the group, depending on results elsewhere, after surrendering first place to the unbeaten Blue Wave.

Despite a bright start from Sundowns, it was the hosts who struck first just before half-time. Tashreeq Matthews had earlier rattled the crossbar with a sharp effort from the edge of the box, but Sundowns could not build momentum.

Goalkeeper Denis Onyango, starting his second match in quick succession, conceded a penalty after bringing down Abdel Raouf in the area. Muhamed Abdelrahman calmly converted from the spot to give Al Hilal the lead heading into the break.

The hosts doubled their advantage only four minutes after the restart when Marcelo Allende's misplaced pass allowed Jean Claude Girumugisha to break through and finish past Onyango.

Sundowns responded with urgency and reduced the deficit on 61 minutes. Substitute Arthur Sales made an immediate impact, firing into the top corner after Peter Shalulile knocked the ball into his path.

Shalulile nearly equalised soon after, first sending a shot over the bar and later forcing goalkeeper Farid Ouedraogo into action following good build-up play involving Khuliso Mudau and Sales.

However, Al Hilal held firm in the closing stages to secure a memorable victory, moving three points clear at the summit of Group C while Sundowns were left chasing qualification momentum in the final rounds. 

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