Al Hilal SC departed Rwanda for Sudan on Thursday morning, May 14, ahead of a crucial domestic mini-league tournament that will determine the country’s representatives in next season’s CAF interclub competitions.
Although Al Hilal have already secured the 2024/25 BK Pro League title, their place in continental competitions is yet to be confirmed, with qualification set to be decided through the upcoming tournament in Sudan.
A delegation comprising 26 senior players and members of the technical staff travelled to Khartoum aboard Badr Airlines, while another 28-player contingent stayed in Kigali under the supervision of the third assistant coach to complete the remaining three BK Pro League fixtures.
The Omdurman-based giants are returning home for the first time since relocating to Rwanda due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. They are expected to compete in the mini-league before taking part in the Sudan Cup.
Following the domestic campaign, Al Hilal are scheduled to return to Kigali on June 15 for the upcoming CECAFA Kagame Cup, which will be hosted in Rwanda.
"This is a great achievement to win the league in Rwanda, and we want to maintain the same spirit and win the title back home to secure qualification for continental competitions,” said Al Hilal head coach Laurentiu Reghecampf.
"We are going to fight for the CAF Champions League spot, and we will be ready for the matches. They will be tough games, but the Rwanda Premier League has played a key role in our preparations,” he added.
Al Hilal clinched the league title after opening a 14-point lead at the top of the table with 73 points from 31 matches. APR FC sit second with 59 points, while Al Merrikh SC are third on 58 points from 30 games.
The Sudanese giants amassed 73 points from 31 matches, scoring 71 goals and conceding just 21 throughout an impressive campaign.
Their closest challengers often included fellow Sudanese powerhouse Al Merrikh, who also recently left Rwanda to take part in the domestic competition in Sudan. Both clubs brought Sudan’s fiercest football rivalry to Rwanda during their stay in the country.