Three Sudanese football clubs will compete in Rwanda’s league this season after civil strife made normal competition impossible at home.
Fighting between General Abdel Fattah al Burhan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023 has killed over 150,000 people and displaced around 12 million.
Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, Sudan’s two most successful clubs, along with Al Ahli Wad Madani, have received permission to join Rwanda’s league.
Last season, Al Hilal and Al Merrikh played in Mauritania to maintain operations, while a July mini-tournament determined continental competition spots.
Al Hilal has secured a place in the African Champions League group stage after defeating Kenya’s Police 4-1 on aggregate.
Matches have been staged abroad, including Libya, reflecting the inability of Sudanese clubs to play safely at home.
Sudan’s national team has also used Libya as a base and will compete at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later this year.
Football continues to provide a sense of continuity for Sudanese players and fans amid ongoing conflict and infrastructure damage.
