Africa-Press. Al-Hilal Sudanese has won the Rwandan Premier League title for this season, repeating its achievement from 2025 in the Mauritanian league, with a 2-1 victory over Gasogi United in the 33rd round.
Al-Hilal, the most decorated team in the Sudanese league (31 times), had to play last season in the Mauritanian league and then moved to the Rwandan league this season due to the suspension of local sports activities caused by the war.
Sudanese clubs have been limited to participating in African competitions in the African Champions League, with the two capital teams, Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh, playing their continental matches in multiple countries.
Honorary Title
Although Al-Hilal secured the title three rounds before the end, this victory is considered “honorary” according to the Rwandan league association and the local football federation, which stated on its website: “It is expected that the leading Rwandan club at the end of the season will receive the title of ‘Champion of the PK League for Professionals,’ in addition to a cash prize of 80 million Rwandan francs (about 58,000 dollars), along with a guaranteed spot in the African Champions League next season.”
Al-Hilal clinched the top spot before three matches remained in the season, raising its points total to 73 from 31 matches, leading by 14 points over second-placed APR FC, which has three matches left, and 13 points ahead of third-placed Al-Merrikh, which still has four matches to play, including an anticipated clash against its Sudanese rival.
The Rwandan federation noted that “after the final whistle, the president of the Rwandan Football Federation, Fabrice Shima, and the president of the Rwandan Premier League Association, Haji Youssef Modahiranwa, officially presented the trophy and medals to Al-Hilal in celebration of their remarkable campaign this season.”
Champion in Three Countries
Despite being honorary, it is extremely rare for a team to win the league title in three different countries.
Al-Hilal benefited from these external participations to secure its presence in official African competitions.
After more than three years of absence, Al-Hilal returned to Sudan to compete in the Elite League, which starts on Friday.
Al-Hilal posted on its Facebook account “We have returned to you,” referring to Sudan and the local league, and “The master of the country… the country has returned,” and “The awaited beloved has returned,” along with a video clip of its players disembarking from the bus, where dozens were waiting for them.
