AS Vita Club Secures Dramatic Win Amid Controversy in CAF Clash with Hilal Ondurman
The CAF Champions League Group A match between AS Vita Club and Sudan’s Hilal Ondurman ended in dramatic fashion on Sunday, with the Congolese side clinching a 2-1 victory after a highly contentious finale that sparked a heated brawl on the pitch.
The decisive moment came deep into injury time, when AS Vita Club was awarded a penalty that Etékiama calmly converted in the 95th minute, securing all three points for the Congolese team. The match officials faced intense criticism from the Sudanese players and staff, particularly over the late penalty decision and an earlier disallowed goal for Hilal Ondurman, which many felt was wrongly ruled out.
Hilal Ondurman had taken an early lead in the 15th minute through Mohamed Bashir Bisha, starting the game strongly and maintaining a resilient defensive stance for much of the first half. Despite being under pressure after halftime, the Sudanese side held firm until the 81st minute when Guy Lusadisu scored the equalizer for Vita Club, reigniting hopes for a comeback.
The final stages of the match descended into chaos as frustration boiled over among the Hilal players following the penalty award to Vita Club. The incident triggered a general brawl, marring the conclusion of what had been a fiercely contested encounter. The refereeing decisions, especially during those crucial moments, are likely to draw scrutiny from CAF officials, with calls for a thorough review to uphold the integrity of the competition.
Following the win, AS Vita Club leapfrogged to the top of Group A with 7 points, edging ahead of compatriots TP Mazembe. The Ravens will now turn their attention to their next group fixture against Egyptian giants Zamalek, seeking to consolidate their position at the summit. Hilal Ondurman remain in third place with 4 points, with two group matches left to play.
The match highlighted the fine margins and high emotions often seen in African club football, but also raised important questions about refereeing standards at this level. CAF’s response to this controversial game will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders across the continent.
