Stateless Sudanese football teams have brought a new spark to the Rwandan domestic league ever since they were welcomed to play in Rwanda due to the conflict back home.
Al Hilal SC made a statement against Rwandan champions APR FC, cruising to a 2-0 win at Pele Stadium. The result was a reminder that while APR dominates local football, there’s still plenty of room for improvement.
Even with what was essentially a second-string lineup; only Adame Coulibaly from the usual starting XI—Al Hilal made light work of the army side, and took the lead in the 25th minute when El Hadji Madicke Kane curled a free kick into the net. The Sudanese side had several other chances in the first half, including a header from a corner that rattled the crossbar, but they couldn’t extend their advantage before halftime.
The game was effectively put out of reach in the 79th minute when Emmanurel Flomo doubled the lead, bringing his season tally to 11 goals and leaving APR FC to breathe a sigh of relief. Al Hilal SC (Omdurman) coach Larentiu Reghecampf also made strategic substitutions, bringing in Ebuela, Luzolo, and Girumugisha to keep control in the closing stages.
With this win, Al Hilal SC tops the Rwandan Premier League with 38 points, edging ahead of APR, who have 37 points from 18 matches. With two games in hand, the Sudanese side could stretch their lead even further. So far this season, only Rutsiro and Kiyovu SC have really challenged them.
Al Hilal’s form isn’t just dominating domestically—they’ve also impressed on the continental stage. Currently leading Group C in the CAF Champions League, they’ve combined tactical discipline with attacking flair throughout the group stage. While they haven’t officially qualified for the quarterfinals yet, a win or even a draw against Lipopo of DRC would seal their spot. Their only loss came away to MC Alger at the Ali Mar Stadium in Algeria, proving just how competitive they’ve been.
Al Hilal SC’s consistency, both at home and abroad, makes them a side to watch this season, one that can turn heads not just in Rwanda, but across African football.
