MC Alger Shakes Up Group C with Stunning Win Over Al-Hilal in CAF Champions League
MC Alger has shaken up Group C in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League by pulling off a stunning 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal Omdurman. This match took place on February 6, 2026, at the Stade Ali Ammar in Algiers. The win marked Al-Hilal’s first defeat of the group stage.
Match Highlights
The Algerian champions demonstrated a strong performance in the first half, capitalizing on an error from Al-Hilal’s goalkeeper, Sofiane Farid. The critical moment of the match occurred in the 15th minute when Zinedine Ferhat intercepted a loose ball, rounded the goalkeeper, and passed to Muslim Anatouf, who scored into an empty net. This early goal set the tone for the hosts.
Key Performances
- Zinedine Ferhat: Played a pivotal role with two goal involvements.
- Muslim Anatouf: Opened the scoring, showing composure in front of goal.
- Sofiane Farid: Made a costly mistake that led to the first goal.
Before halftime, Ferhat doubled MC Alger’s lead with a spectacular long-range shot in the 44th minute, leaving the score at 2-0 as the teams headed into the break.
Second Half Tensions
Al-Hilal emerged with renewed energy after halftime, applying pressure to the MC Alger defense. Their efforts paid off in the 77th minute when Ahmed Salem found the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1. This goal set up a tense finish to the match.
Defensive Strategy
Despite Al-Hilal’s aggressive push for an equalizer, MC Alger’s defense held firm. The hosts effectively managed the game’s tempo, demonstrating discipline and maturity to maintain their lead until the final whistle.
Group C Standings
This victory boosted MC Alger to seven points in Group C, placing them second. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal remains on top with eight points, despite experiencing their first defeat in the group stage.
Implications for Qualification
With one match remaining in the group stage, the race for qualification is still open. Both teams will look to secure their spots in the knockout rounds with strong performances in the upcoming fixtures.
