Al Merrikh beat Omndurman rivals Al Hilal 2-1 in the African Champions League group “A” tie at Omndurman Stadium, Sudan Friday night.

A brace from Mohamed Rahman secured the win which keep the Red Devils in contention for a quarters berth.

Mohammed Musa Idris grabbed the consolation for the Blues.

Al Merrikh move second in the group standings on seven points – one less than leaders Etoile Sportive du Sahel.

While Hilal remain bottom on four points and are as good as eliminated from the championship in the penultimate round.

Rahman got the game going with an early 9th minute strike from Ahmed Al-Basha assist to settle the half 1-0.

Three minutes into the second stanza, Rahman grabbed his brace with Ragei Abdelati Abdalla assisting this time.

Musa reduced the deficit in the 65th minute off Wale Azeez’s assist, but it only served as a consolation.

Etoile could book the first quarters slot from the group with a win over Clube Ferroviario da Beira today.

In group “B”, Al Ahli Tripoli shared the spoils with USM Alger in 1-1 draw at Stade Taieb Mhiri, Sfax Tunisia.

Buoyed by week four’s 2-0 win over Zamalek, Ahli got off to a flying start with Anis Saltou putting them in the lead in the 16th minute.

The visitors had to wait until the 38th minute to draw level through Farouk Chafai.

The result leaves the group open heading into the final week six round next week. In the other group match, third placed Zamalek will travel to Harare, Zimbabwe to take on bottom placed CAPS United.