Three Sudanese clubs seek to host CAF interclub matches in Kigali

Three Sudanese football clubs have formally requested to host their home matches in Rwanda during the preliminary rounds of the 2026-27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, underscoring Rwanda’s growing reputation as a reliable venue for continental football.

The clubs are Al Hilal SC, Al Merrikh SC, and Hilal Al-Sahil Sports Club, all of whom are expected to represent Sudan in CAF interclub competitions next season.

The development was confirmed by FERWAFA Secretary General Bonnie Mugabe during a media engagement held yesterday at the Rwanda Football Federation headquarters.

Mugabe revealed that the Sudanese clubs had approached the federation seeking permission to stage their continental fixtures in Rwanda because the security situation in Sudan continues to make it difficult to host international matches at home.

If approved by CAF, the clubs are expected to use Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, which has already established itself as one of East Africa’s premier football venues after its recent renovation.

The request follows a successful partnership during the 2025-26 season, when Al Hilal SC hosted their CAF Champions League group-stage home matches in Kigali.

Despite playing away from Sudan, the Omdurman-based giants remained highly competitive, reaching the knockout stages of Africa’s premier club competition while attracting strong support from Sudanese fans living in Rwanda and neighboring countries.

Al Hilal is Sudan’s most successful football club and among the continent's traditional powerhouses.

Founded in 1930, the club has won more than 30 Sudan Premier League titles and numerous domestic cups.

They have also reached the CAF Champions League final twice, in 1987 and 1992, cementing their reputation as one of Africa’s historic clubs.

Their fierce rivals, Al Merrikh SC, also spent part of the 2025-26 season in Rwanda after participating in the Rwanda Premier League under a special arrangement necessitated by the conflict in Sudan.

The move allowed the club to maintain competitive football while providing Rwandan supporters with the opportunity to watch one of Africa’s most decorated teams.

Founded in 1927, Al Merrikh is one of Sudan’s oldest and most successful clubs, boasting more than 20 Sudan Premier League championships and an impressive record in continental competitions.

The club has reached the CAF Champions League final twice and remains a regular participant in CAF tournaments.

The third club, Hilal Al-Sahil Sports Club, is making its return to continental football after qualifying for the 2026-27 CAF Confederation Cup.

Based in Port Sudan, the club has emerged as one of Sudan’s rising forces in recent seasons and will represent the country alongside Al Hilal and Al Merrikh.

Rwanda has increasingly become a preferred host nation for international football, thanks to its modern infrastructure, political stability and CAF-approved stadiums.

CAF recently confirmed that the 2026-27 Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will begin with the first preliminary round first legs from September 4–6, followed by the return legs on September 11–13.

The second preliminary round will be played on October 16–18 and October 23–25, while the group stage will commence in late November.