Quarter-finals

March 15: RS Berkane (Morocco) vs Al Hilal (Sudan)

Al Hilal SC travelled to Morocco on Thursday, March 4, ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League quarterfinal first-leg encounter against Moroccan side RS Berkane.

The Sudanese giants departed aboard a private jet operated by Malta Limited and are expected to spend at least 10 days in the North African country as part of their preparations for the March 15 showdown against the Berkane-based club.

Head coach Laurentiu Reghecampf stressed the importance of thorough preparation before the team’s departure.

"We must prepare well because there is no weak team in the knockout stage,” Reghecampf said before boarding the flight.

Al Hilal, two-time finalists in the competition, secured the advantage of hosting the second leg at Amahoro Stadium after finishing top of their group, which included South African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns.

If they progress to the semifinals, Al Hilal will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between AS FAR and defending champions Pyramids FC.

Elsewhere in the quarterfinals, record 12-time champions Al Ahly SC will take on Espérance Sportive de Tunis, while Mamelodi Sundowns face Stade Malien.