Angolan football club Petro Atletico has successfully advanced to the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, following a goalless draw against Libyan powerhouse Al Hilal in Benghazi.
This strategic stalemate came during their penultimate Group C match on Friday evening, ensuring their progression with a game to spare.
Entering the match with the knowledge that a single point would suffice for qualification, Petro Atletico showcased a masterclass in defensive solidity.
Despite Al Hilal dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, they were thwarted by Petro’s goalkeeper, Hugo Marques, whose exceptional performance included several crucial saves, maintaining a clean sheet for his team.
While Petro Atletico adopted a cautious approach, they did not shy away from launching counter-attacks, with striker Tiago Azulao narrowly missing the mark on a few occasions.
However, the team’s primary focus remained on neutralizing Al Hilal’s advances, a strategy that paid off as they comfortably secured the necessary point to lead their group with an unbeaten record after four matches.
With this draw, Petro Atletico moves to nine points from five games, guaranteeing a top-two finish in Group C, a testament to their commendable campaign in this season’s Champions League. Meanwhile, Al Hilal’s hopes of progressing are still alive, as they prepare for a decisive encounter against Tunisian club Esperance, with both teams vying for the remaining quarterfinal spot.
This significant milestone for Petro Atletico not only highlights their defensive prowess but also marks a remarkable achievement in their Champions League journey, as they look forward to competing in the quarterfinals with the aim of continuing their impressive run in the tournament.
