Al Hilal Omdurman edged out their North African rivals, MC Alger, to start their 2025/26 CAF Inter-Club group stage campaign with a victory on Friday.
The Sudanese giants claimed a 2-1 victory over the Algerian champions in a Group C match played at Al Hilal's temporary home ground, Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
Abdelrazig Omer broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time to hand Al Hilal the lead heading into the halftime break, with Jean Girumugisha providing the assist.
Rhulani Mokwena's side then applied some pressure on the hosts' defence after the restart and parity was restored in the 53rd minute when Mustafa Karshom netted an own-goal.
However, Mohamed Abdelrahman proved to be a super-sub as the experienced forward hit the back of the net in the 75th minute to restore Al Hilal's lead with Steven Ebuela grabbing an assist.
Al Hilal were reduced to 10 players with three minutes left after Salaheldin Alhassan received his second yellow card of the match, but the hosts held on to secure the victory on the day.
The win elevated Al Hilal to the top of the Group C standings, with Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup group stage matchday one action set to continue on Saturday and Sunday.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday, November 22
15h00 - Mamelodi Sundowns v St Éloi Lupopo
15h00 - Young Africans v AS FAR Rabat
18h00 - Al Ahly v JS Kabylie
18h00 - Espérance Tunis v Stade Malien
21h00 - RS Berkane v Power Dynamos
21h00 - Pyramids FC v Rivers United
Sunday, November 23
15h00 - Simba SC v Petro Atlético
CONFEDERATION CUP FIXTURES
Saturday, November 22
21h00 - CR Belouizdad v Singida Black Stars
Sunday, November 23
15h00 - AS Maniema Union v Azam FC
15h00 - Stellenbosch FC v AS Otoho
18h00 - Al Masry v Kaizer Chiefs
18h00 - Djoliba v Olympic Club Saf
21h00 - USM Alger v FC San Pedro
21h00 - Wydad AC v Nairobi United
21h00 - Zamalek v Zesco United