Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman, who currently compete in the Rwanda Premier League (RPL), are set to host South African side Mamelodi Sundowns at Amahoro Stadium in a CAF Champions League group stage match on Friday night at 9pm. ALSO READ: Top spot at stake as Al Hilal host Sundowns in Kigali Due to the ongoing civil war in Sudan, Al Hilal have been forced to play their home matches in Rwanda. They previously played in Mauritania and are now based in Rwanda, where they continue to compete despite difficult circumstances. What to know about both teams Al Hilal have a strong history in Sudanese football but have faced major challenges, including relocation caused by the conflict in Sudan. ALSO READ: Key players to watch as Al Hilal, Sundowns square off in Kigali The club has won the Sudan Premier League a record 31 times and lifted the Sudan Cup 10 times. On the continental stage, Al Hilal have twice finished runners-up in the CAF Champions League and were finalists in 1987 and 1992. They are regular participants in the competition. Mamelodi Sundowns are one of the strongest teams in South Africa and Africa. They have won more than 17 South African Premier Soccer League titles and have also lifted the CAF Champions League trophy. Strong squads, star players Al Hilal are coached by Romanian tactician Laurentiu Reghecampf, who was appointed in August last year. He has guided the team to the top of the Rwanda Premier League table and into the CAF Champions League group stage. ALSO READ: Reghecampf confirms Niyigena’s move to Al Hilal The squad includes Sudanese national team players and foreign players from Mauritania, Senegal and Burundi. One of their standout players is Burundian winger Jean Claude Girumugisha, 21, who is known for his pace and skill and is considered one of the top young talents in local African football. Mamelodi Sundowns are coached by Miguel Cardoso, a Portuguese gaffer. Their squad has players who feature for the South African national team, Bafana Bafana. Key players include goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, regarded as one of the best in Africa, and midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who also plays for the national team.
