Sudanese football giants Al Hilal and Al Merrikh have been cleared to host their home matches in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League in Kigali. The decision comes as domestic football in Sudan remains suspended due to the ongoing civil war, forcing several top clubs to seek alternative bases abroad. Both Al Hilal and Al Merrikh relocated to Rwanda last season after being admitted into the BK Pro League, using Kigali as their base for both domestic league fixtures and continental competitions. CAF has inspected and approved the venues. Al Hilal will play at Amahoro Stadium, while Al Merrikh will host their matches at Kigali Pelé Stadium, Mugabe confirmed. The two clubs secured qualification for this season's CAF Champions League after Al Hilal won the Sudanese league title, while Al Merrikh finished as runners-up. Last season, Al Hilal hosted their CAF Champions League home matches in Kigali, including the quarter-final second leg against Morocco's RS Berkane. They lost the match 1-0. In addition to hosting their continental fixtures in Rwanda, both clubs have formally requested permission to continue competing in the BK Pro League next season. Mugabe said the request has been submitted to CAF, with a final decision yet to be made. The Sudanese clubs made a strong impact during their debut season in Rwanda. Al Hilal topped the 2024/25 BK Pro League standings with 70 points, finishing ahead of APR FC on 59 points, while Al Merrikh finished third with 58 points. Their participation significantly enhanced the league's competitiveness and profile, attracting greater regional attention and increasing interest in matchdays. Besides Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, Hilal Al-Sahel Sports Club has also applied to host its CAF Confederation Cup home matches in Kigali.
