Al Hilal of Sudan secured their place in the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League, becoming the first team to advance from the group stages with two matchdays still to spare.
With a dominant 10 points from three wins and a draw, Florent Ibenge’s side now hold a commanding five-point lead over second-placed MC Alger, ensuring they are on track for a strong run in the competition.
The Sudanese side, who have faced immense challenges playing their home games away due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, have shown remarkable resilience.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Al Hilal have excelled on the continental stage, with their progress confirming the team’s growing strength under coach Florent Ibenge.
While the team’s collective effort has been pivotal, it is the individual performances of some key players that have stood out.
One player, in particular, has captured attention: 20-year-old Burundian forward Jean-Claude Girumugisha.
The young winger has made an immediate impact, scoring two crucial goals that have helped his side secure valuable points in the group stage.
Girumugisha’s first moment of brilliance came during a crucial clash against TP Mazembe.
With the match seemingly heading towards a draw, the substitute winger scored a stunning goal in the dying seconds of the game.
In the 90th minute, Girumugisha weaved through three Mazembe defenders before unleashing a powerful strike that left goalkeeper Faty stranded.
This late goal clinched a vital 2-1 win for Al Hilal, earning them three points.
His second goal came on Sunday against MC Alger, a team that had initially dominated the match.
At a point when Al Hilal were trailing, Ibenge made the strategic decision to bring Girumugisha into the game.
The change paid off almost immediately.
Girumugisha’s electrifying run and masterful strike in the 79th minute earned the Sudanese side a valuable equalizer, salvaging a 1-1 draw.
The goal not only earned Al Hilal another point but also secured their passage to the quarter-finals, with two games still to play.
Al Hilal’s qualification to the knockout stages represents a significant achievement, especially considering the challenges they’ve faced off the field. With a place in the quarter-finals now confirmed, the team can approach the rest of the group stage with confidence.
Girumugisha, whose performances have been nothing short of remarkable, will undoubtedly be a key figure for Al Hilal as they look to continue their impressive campaign.
With the quarter-finals set for February, Al Hilal can now look forward to the next stage of the competition with optimism, knowing that Girumugisha’s talent will be crucial in their pursuit of continental glory.
