CAF CL: Abagna, Lilepo on target as Hilal edge Coton 2-0 to extend losing streak to ten

Ghanaian forward David Abangna Sandan and his DR Congo colleague Glody Lilepo scored in either half as Hilal SC punished Cotonsport of Garoua 2-0 in match day four of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

Lilepo converted from the penalty spot eight minutes from time to add to a 41st minute strike from Abangna as Al Hilal extended Coton’s losing streak in the group stage of the competition to ten games, from their previous appearance in 2017.

Though in an empty stadium in Khartoum, The Blue Waves did enough to get their third win of the competition and take their points tally to nine points which takes them temporarily to the top of Group C

Hilal was the better side in the opening moments and came close to scoring on a number of occasions especially through forward Lilepo.

The real heart in mouth moment for the visitors was in the half hour mark when Lilepo dazzled into space before firing just above the crossbar with a ball that was closely followed by Coton’s Gadin Allambatnan.

Lilepo came close again three minutes after the water break, toe poking a fine cross wide though he had time to control and test Gadin.

Brice Ebondje regained possession in the Hilal area and had Daman as a right wing option, but went solo with a long range shot that was comfortably gathered by Ali Aboeshren in goal for Hilal.

Aboeshren was booked in the 40th minute for a fingertip control of the ball from outside his penalty area.

Ibrahim Abba warmed the gloves of Aboeshren from the resulting set-piece.

Cotonsport left spaces in taking the corner from the move and in a textbook quick transition of three players David Abagna Sandan opened scores for the hosts in the 41st minute.

Skipper Mohamed Abderahmane found The Gambia’s Lamine Jarjou who guided the ball to the path of the Ghanaian who fired home his first goal since joining Al Hilal SC in January.

The sides retired for the break with a 1-0. It was the fourth game in a row in which the Cotonites were being led at the break.

Coach Agbor Ernest reacted to the deficit situation by bringing Ramses Donfack and Triomphe Kokolo in place of Eno Brandon and Moshood Kasali respectively.

Play halted in the 52nd after Lilepo collided with onrushing Gadin. The keeper needed long treatment on the pitch to get back on his feet and continue.

Coton was way better in the start of the second segment, forcing a great save from Aboeshren who pushed away a volley from Daman.

Coach Florent Ibenge replaced the Hilal scorer Abangna in the 64th minute with Fabrice Ngoma and also refreshed his side with the introduction of Khames Rhobia in place of Lamine Diadhiou.

Coton substitute Moubarak Aziz gave away a late penalty which was put away by Glody Lilepo to make it 2-0.

There wasn’t a glaring chance in the final eight minutes plus additional time as the hosts dropped dip to protect the advantage and clean sheet.

Hilal goes top of Group C with nine points, two above second-seeded Mamelodi Sundowns while Al Ahly are third with four points and Coton are bottom without a point.

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