Al Hilal SC and Al Merrikh SC will be looking to strengthen their positions in the BK Pro League standings when they return to action in rescheduled fixtures against Bugesera FC and Etoile de l’Est this weekend. The two Sudanese sides had their league matches postponed to allow them adequate time to prepare for their CAF Champions League commitments in October. Al Hilal will face Bugesera FC in a rescheduled Matchweek 1 fixture at Bugesera Stadium on Saturday, while Al Merrikh take on Etoile de l’Est in a Matchweek 4 encounter on Sunday. The fixtures present both Sudanese clubs with an opportunity to make up ground on their rivals, many of whom have played more matches in the opening weeks of the campaign. Al Hilal head into the weekend with seven points from four matches and will be eager to return to winning ways following a frustrating run of results. The Sudanese giants were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayon Sports in midweek after conceding a late equaliser, extending their winless run. Despite the recent setbacks, Al Hilal remain within reach of the teams at the top, having played fewer matches than most of their rivals. A victory over Bugesera would boost their points tally and strengthen their push towards the top of the standings. “We are disappointed with the points we have lost in recent matches, but football always gives you another opportunity to respond,” said Al Hilal forward Mohamed Abdelrahman Yousif Yagub. “The draw against Rayon Sports was difficult to accept because we were very close to winning. We have analysed our mistakes and now our focus is fully on Bugesera FC.” Bugesera, meanwhile, have made a solid start to the campaign, collecting nine points so far. The Eastern Province side will be determined to capitalise on home advantage against one of the league’s biggest clubs. A win would strengthen Bugesera’s position in the standings and extend their advantage over Al Hilal, while defeat could see the Sudanese side close the gap. Attention will then turn to Sunday’s meeting between Al Merrikh and Etoile de l’Est. Al Merrikh have collected six points from four matches and, like their compatriots Al Hilal, have games in hand over several teams in the division. A positive result would improve their position and boost their hopes of moving into the upper half of the table. Etoile de l’Est, meanwhile, have seven points, although the Ngoma-based side have played more matches than their opponents. Sunday’s encounter therefore presents an important opportunity for both teams to collect valuable points as they look to establish themselves in the upper half of the standings. With Bugesera and Etoile de l’Est having played five and seven matches respectively, compared to just four each for the Sudanese clubs, the rescheduled fixtures could have a significant impact on the league table. Elsewhere, Marine returned to the top of the standings following a 1-0 victory over Police FC at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Thursday.
