The two sides will meet in a Matchday 33 fixture of the BK Pro League at Kigali Pelé Stadium at 3:00 PM. This match marks a poignant moment for the “Blue Wave,” who have spent the season playing as guests in the Rwandan league due to the devastating civil war in Sudan.
A season in exile
Since the conflict broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), professional football in Sudan has been at a total standstill. With stadiums damaged and safety impossible to guarantee in Khartoum, Al-Hilal and their rivals, Al-Merrikh, sought refuge in the Rwandan top flight to maintain match fitness and provide a sense of continuity for their displaced supporters.
The match against Gasogi United was rescheduled because the Sudanese club is expected to return to neutral territory or safe zones within Sudan to attempt a restart of their domestic campaign.
Honorary trophy
In an announcement released on Wednesday, the Rwanda Premier League stated that if Al-Hilal SC win or draw the match, the club will officially be awarded their Honorary trophy and medals for the 2025/2026 season.
Al-Hilal currently lead the table with 70 points, which is 12 ahead of fellow Sudanese exiles Al-Merrikh SC, while both teams still have four matches remaining. Second-placed APR FC follows with 59 points and three games left.
Defining the dual champions
Because Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh are guest participants, the Rwanda Premier League created a unique format to honor their dominance without displacing local clubs from continental qualification. The Honorary Trophy is awarded to
Al-Hilal SC as the overall points leader in recognition of their sporting excellence while in exile.
Meanwhile, the BK Pro League National Champions 2025/26 title will go to the highest-ranked Rwandan club, expected to be APR FC, who will represent Rwanda in the CAF Champions League.
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