Al Hilal striker Edward Sadomba

Sudanese side Al Hilal rallied late to earn a priceless 2-2 draw against Enyimba in the opening game of the group stages of this year’s Caf Champions League on Sunday.

The result thus leaves Group A widely opened as Morocco’s Raja were also held to a scoreless draw by Cotonsport from Cameroon a day earlier.

Al Hilal took a 22nd minute lead through speedy Zimbabwean striker Edward Sadomba only for the Nigerian champions to claw back into the game four minutes after the interval through left back Valentine Nwaebili.

Two-time African champions Enyimba then went in front in the 61st minute through Uche Kalu, before Sadomba restored parity for the visitors in the 77th minute.

The slippery nature of the pitch at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba caused by the early morning drizzle seriously affected the home side in this clash.

Three years ago at the same stage of Africa’s foremost club competition, Enyimba defeated Hilal 4-1 in Aba after they lost the reverse tie 3-2 in Omdurman.

The Champions League will continue in a fortnight with Cotonsport hosting Enyimba, while Hilal Raja.

TP Mazembe from DR Congo are the defending champions but were disqualified from this year’s competition after they fielded an ineligible player in their qualifying match against Simba Sports of Tanzania.