CAFCL: Al Hilal coach Reghecampf justifies duo’s substitution

Al Hilal Omdurman coach Laurentiu Reghecampf has justified his decision to substitute his key players Jean Claude Girumugisha and Adama Coulibaly in the away 2-1 loss to MC Alger in Algeria on Friday.

The Romanian said this after his Sudanese side suffered the first defeat in Group C of the CAF Champions League (CAFCL).

Former Medeama RB, Kamaradini Mamudu provided an assist in his Al Hilal 🇸🇩 debut as they lost 1-2 to MC Alger

30 minutes played
1 Assist
1 Shot inside the box
1 big chance created
1/2 succ dribbles
2/2 passes in final third
1/1 long pass
2/3 ground duels won pic.twitter.com/p2fPOWKEj6

— AUGUSTINE QUANSAH (@AugustineQuan_1) February 6, 2026

In a post-match interview broadcast on Al-Hilal social media platform, Laurentiu Reghecampf said he withdrew the Burundian striker Girumugisha and the Malian winger Coulibaly as a matter of caution. The coach said he had one eye on the next assignment for the group.

“Congratulations to MC Alger on achieving the victory. It was a well-deserved victory. The rating of the match varies from person to person, but although we did not play our best today, we had the chance to draw from a corner kick in the 88th minute,” the coach said.

“We could have rallied more to try and get points from the match, but I preferred not to risk Coulibaly and Jean Claude especially since they have yellow cards, and there was a risk of losing them in the decisive match against FC Eloi-Saint Lupopo, which is the most important.”

How MC Alger overcame Al Hilal

The hosts were in total control of the proceedings, and deservedly put their noses in front with a fine finish from Moslem Anatouf in the 15th minute. Zinedine Ferhat added the second goal for Rulani Mokwena’s team at the Stade Ali La Pointe in Algiers.

Ahmed Salem scored the consolation goal for the Sudanese side.

MCA move into second place for now with the result. However, regardless of the result in the other Group C clash on Saturday between DR Congo’s Saint-Éloi Lupopo and South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, the Algerian club will likely need to avoid defeat next weekend when they travel to face Sundowns in South Africa.

Al Hilal remain at the top of the group despite the defeat, and can secure their place in the quarterfinals with a victory in Rwanda next weekend when they host Lupopo at their adopted home.

Laurentiu Reghecampf explains key substitutions

In a post-match interview aired on Al Hilal’s official media platforms, Laurentiu Reghecampf revealed that the withdrawals of Girumugisha and Coulibaly were purely precautionary.

According to the coach, both players were carrying yellow cards, and keeping them on the pitch would have risked suspensions ahead of what he described as the most important match of the group.

“Congratulations to MC Alger on achieving the victory. It was a well-deserved victory,” Reghecampf said.
“Although we did not play our best today, we had the chance to draw from a corner kick in the 88th minute.”

He added:

“We could have pushed more to get points from this match, but I preferred not to risk Coulibaly and Jean Claude, especially since they have yellow cards. There was a risk of losing them for the decisive match against FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo, which is the most important.”

Laurentiu Reghecampf prioritises decisive group clash

Reghecampf’s comments underline his long-term approach to the group stage. While Al Hilal could have chased an equaliser more aggressively, the coach opted to safeguard two of his most influential attacking players.

The Burundian striker Girumugisha and the Malian winger Coulibaly have been central to Al Hilal’s positive campaign so far, and their availability for the remaining fixtures could prove decisive in the race for qualification.

Despite the defeat, Al Hilal remain top of Group C, a position that reflects their consistency across the earlier rounds.