Sudanese side punished for costly errors as Moroccan opponents secure semi-final place
Al-Hilal Omdurman saw their hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League come to an abrupt end after a 1-0 defeat to RS Berkane in Kigali.
The decisive second-leg quarter-final, played at Amahoro Stadium, was settled by a late goal, leaving Al-Hilal’s supporters stunned as a promising campaign ended in disappointment.
Late Goal Seals Fate
Al-Hilal, known as the “Blue Wave”, had appeared on course to progress, with the match seemingly heading for a goalless conclusion. However, a decisive strike from Mounir Chouiar in the closing moments overturned expectations and handed Berkane a crucial victory.
The result marked Al-Hilal’s first defeat on their adopted home ground in Kigali and only their second loss in 12 matches in the tournament, bringing an end to what had been a strong run of performances.
Conservative Approach Backfires
A key factor in the defeat was Al-Hilal’s tactical approach. Rather than pressing forward in search of a goal, the team appeared content to manage the game towards a draw.
Players led by captain Mohamed Abdel Rahman struggled to create attacking opportunities, opting for a cautious strategy that ultimately proved costly. Their reluctance to take initiative allowed Berkane to remain in contention until the final stages.
When the breakthrough came, it was too late for Al-Hilal to respond.
Missed Warnings and Tactical Inaction
Berkane had signalled their threat on multiple occasions throughout the match, putting sustained pressure on Al-Hilal’s defence. Goalkeeper Soufiane Farid was called into action several times, notably saving a penalty to keep his side in the game.
Despite these warning signs, head coach Laurentiu Reghecampf did not make adjustments to ease the pressure or reinforce his defence. The absence of timely substitutions and tactical changes allowed Berkane to maintain their attacking momentum.
Al-Hilal had also missed opportunities in the first leg, failing to capitalise on chances that could have put them in a stronger position before returning home.
Recurring Issue Proves Costly
A lack of concentration in critical moments once again proved decisive. Al-Hilal conceded late in both legs of the tie, reflecting a recurring issue that has affected not only the club but other Sudanese teams in recent years.
The defensive lapses in the closing stages ultimately denied Al-Hilal a place in the semi-finals for the first time in over a decade, despite having navigated earlier rounds successfully.
Berkane Progress to All-Moroccan Clash
For Berkane, the victory represents a significant achievement, as they advance to the semi-finals to face AS FAR in an all-Moroccan encounter.
The team capitalised on their opponent’s mistakes, turning sustained pressure into a decisive advantage at the most critical moment.
End of a Promising Campaign
Al-Hilal’s exit will be viewed as a missed opportunity, particularly given the team’s strong performances throughout the competition. Having overcome considerable challenges in recent seasons, they appeared well-positioned to progress further.
Instead, a combination of cautious tactics, missed warnings, and lapses in concentration proved decisive, bringing their campaign to a sudden and painful conclusion.
