Al Merrikh SC have withdrawn from the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, which will be held in Kigali from July 24 to August 7.

The Sudanese club announced its decision on Thursday, opting instead to focus on preparations for the 2026/27 season, during which it will compete in the CAF Champions League.

According to the club, the withdrawal followed a recommendation from the senior team's technical staff, who requested a dedicated pre-season training camp to better prepare the squad for the demands of the upcoming campaign.

"Al Merrikh SC has confirmed its withdrawal from the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup after the senior team's coaching staff requested a specialized training camp to prepare for the new season," the club said in a statement.

"Following an assessment of the team's needs, management decided that a focused training programme would provide the best possible preparation for both domestic and continental competitions."

The team will still travel to Kigali, where it will regroup and begin its pre-season preparations, including a series of friendly matches, as part of its build-up to the CAF Champions League and domestic league campaign.

Kenya's Tusker FC are expected to replace Al Merrikh and complete the 12-team lineup ahead of Friday's tournament draw in Kigali.

Sudan will still be represented by Al Hilal SC, last season's runners-up.

The other confirmed participants are Vipers SC (Uganda), Simba SC (Tanzania), Gor Mahia FC (Kenya), Mogadishu City FC (Somalia), Jamus SC (South Sudan), FC Garde Républicaine (Djibouti), KVZ FC (Zanzibar), and hosts APR FC and Rayon Sports of Rwanda.