Sudanese fans stone Egypt goalkeeper Al Hadary

Egypt goalkeeper Essam Al Hadary suffered a cut lip and broken teeth after being stoned following a Confederation Cup match in Sudan.

Al Hadary had helped Omdurman club Al Merreikh defeat Al Ahly Shandy 2-0 in an all-Sudan Group A match on Saturday.

The result triggered stone-throwing by supporters of the losing club.

Al Hadary, who is still Egypt's first choice goalkeeper at the age of 39, was later treated in hospital.

He then joined his international team-mates in Cairo ahead of a friendly against Benin.

"I thank God for saving my life," Al Hadary said on his website.

"Incidents like these are too common and fanatical fans must realise football matches are sporting activities and not wars."

Merreikh lead the group by two points at the halfway stage after domestic rivals Al Hilal were held 1-1 at bottom-of-the-table InterClube of Angola.

Captain Kialunda put the Luanda police team ahead during the first half and Zimbabwean Edward Sadomba levelled 19 times from time with his third goal of the season.

Former Confederation Cup runners-up Merreikh have seven points, Hilal five, Ahly three and InterClube one with three rounds left and two semi-finals slots up for grabs.

Giantkillers AC Leopards from Congo Brazzaville came from behind to draw 1-1 at Stade Malien of Mali in Group B and keep alive hopes of making the last four of the second-tier competition.

Ousmane Cisse scored for 2009 Confederation Cup winners Stade after 35 minutes and Treston Lakolo equalised before half-time to leave the home side still seeking their first mini-league victory.

BBC