Sudan giants Al Hilal and Al Merrikh request to join Rwanda Premier League

Two of Sudan’s historical powerhouses, Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, have requested to join and compete in the Rwanda Premier League for the 2025/26 season. The top flight has already kicked off, with four rounds of matches played so far.

Both Omdurman clubs competed in the Mauritanian Super D1 last season, with Al Hilal finishing top of the league. Al Hilal’s general secretary, Hassan Ali Issa, told Al Zarqa newspaper that the Rwandan Football Federation gave them positive feedback regarding their request. “I met with the Rwandan Football Association president, Fabrice Shema, and he assured me of his official approval of our request. We will be forming a committee so that both clubs can have it easy in logistical arrangements and accommodation in Kigali.”

Al Hilal and Al Merrikh have been forced to compete in other countries after a civil war broke out in Sudan. The two clubs briefly returned to Sudan a few months ago to compete in the Sudan Elite League, where Al Hilal were crowned champions. Both clubs are now based in Benghazi, Libya, and are expected to travel to Rwanda by next week.

What is the current situation for Al Hilal and Al Merrikh this season?

Al Hilal will face Kenya Police in the final stage of qualifying for the CAF Champions League after earning a 1-0 first leg victory in Nairobi. Al Merrikh were knocked out of the competition by Saint-Éloi Lupopo, exiting the tournament early.