CAF Champions League side Al Hilal Omdurman sealed their place in the quarter-finals with a narrow victory over FC Saint Éloi Lupopo, bringing the Congolese club’s continental run to an end.
Lupopo’s African campaign concluded with a 1-0 defeat in their final Group C fixture at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, where an early goal ultimately proved decisive.
The only strike of the afternoon arrived in the sixth minute when Congolese defender Steven Ebuela found the net, handing Al Hilal an advantage they would protect for the remainder of the match.
That early breakthrough set the tone for a tense contest. Lupopo, known as the Railwaymen, were forced to chase the game after falling behind but struggled to convert their possession into clear chances.
Al Hilal, meanwhile, focused on preserving their lead, managing the tempo and limiting space as the match wore on.
The encounter was further shaped by disciplinary incidents that disrupted both teams’ rhythm. Lupopo were reduced to ten men just before half-time when their Senegalese defender Mendy was sent off in the 45th minute.
Al Hilal also finished with ten players after Adil received his marching orders, leaving both sides to navigate a fractured second half.
Lupopo’s task was made more difficult by the injury to captain Issama Mpeko in the 30th minute.
His withdrawal altered the Congolese side’s structure, and despite a determined effort after the break, they were unable to find a route back into the match.
The Sudanese team held firm during a nervy closing period to secure all three points.
The result confirmed the final Group C standings on matchday six. Al Hilal Omdurman topped the group with 11 points, ensuring their progression to the quarter-finals.
In contrast, FC Saint Éloi Lupopo finished bottom with five points and were officially eliminated from the competition.
For Lupopo, the defeat marked the end of their continental journey this season, while Al Hilal move forward with momentum after a disciplined display that underlined their control in a decisive fixture.
