Salima reacts to Al Merrikh victory over Kigali FC

Al Merrikh SC star Chikumbutso Salima has sent a message to the club’s supporters after a 1-0 victory over IS Kigali in the Rwanda Premier League on Sunday.

Bashir Mangora scored in the 82nd minute for the Sudanese side to go three points behind compatriots and leaders Al Hilal Omdurman.

FULL TIME pic.twitter.com/oCFiGeLfop

— AS KIGALI (@AS_KigaliFC) February 22, 2026

In a reaction after the match played at Bele Stadium, Al Merrikh’s new signing spared time to send a pre-recorded video message to the fans, thanking them for their unwavering support.

“Hello, Al Merrikh supporters, A good win for today. We go again for the next one. Thank you for supporting us,” the former FCB Big Bullets star said.

Salima signed for Al Merrikh in January after spending three successful seasons with the 2025-2026 Airtel and Castel Challenge Cup champions in Malawi.

The 24-year-old has made an impressive start to life at Al Merrikh having already bagged a man-of-the match award in some four appearances.

What does latest result mean to Kigali FC?

The latest defeat leaves Kigali FC in 13th place with 22 points from 21 matches.

Al-Merrikh are competing in the Rwanda Premier League, alongside Al Hilal Omdurman SC, due to the ongoing war and instability in Sudan. Sporting activities in Sudan have been suspended for several months due to the ongoing war and security instability, forcing clubs to seek alternative competitions abroad.

Consequently, the Confederation of African Football approved the requests of Sudanese giants to participate in the Rwanda Premier League. Last season (2024–2025), Al Hilal and Al-Merrikh temporarily competed in the Mauritanian league.
Chikumbutso Salima Sends Message After Al Merrikh’s 1-0 Win Over IS Kigali

Chikumbutso Salima Reacts After Crucial Rwanda Premier League Victory

Al Merrikh SC star Chikumbutso Salima has delivered a heartfelt message to supporters following his side’s narrow 1-0 victory over IS Kigali in the Rwanda Premier League on Sunday.

The decisive moment came late in the match when Bashir Mangora struck in the 82nd minute to seal all three points for the Sudanese giants at Bele Stadium. The win moves Al Merrikh within three points of league leaders and compatriots Al Hilal Omdurman SC, keeping the title race wide open.

After the final whistle, Chikumbutso Salima took time to address the club’s fans through a pre-recorded video message, expressing gratitude for their continuous backing.

“Hello, Al Merrikh supporters, A good win for today. We go again for the next one. Thank you for supporting us,” said the former FCB Big Bullets star.

His message quickly resonated with fans, many of whom have continued to support the club during a difficult period marked by instability back home in Sudan.

Chikumbutso Salima’s Strong Start at Al Merrikh

Since completing his move in January, Chikumbutso Salima has wasted no time making his presence felt at Al Merrikh. The 24-year-old winger joined the Sudanese outfit after three highly successful seasons with Malawi’s FCB Big Bullets, where he won the 2025–2026 Airtel and Castel Challenge Cup titles.

Salima’s transition to the Rwanda Premier League has been impressive. In just four appearances, he has already claimed a Man of the Match award, showcasing his attacking quality and adaptability.

His pace, creativity, and work rate have added fresh energy to Al Merrikh’s attacking setup. Even though he was not on the scoresheet in the win against IS Kigali, his influence on the pitch helped stretch the opposition and create opportunities in the final third.

The Malawian international is quickly becoming a fan favorite, and performances like Sunday’s victory only strengthen his growing reputation within the squad.