Soccer returns to war-torn Sudan as elite clubs go back home
Sudan has been in the grip of conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, with more than 150,000 people killed and about 12 million uprooted, creating the largest displacement crisis in the world.
Among them have been the country's biggest clubs Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, who between them have won all but four of the championships since the league was created in 1965.
Last season the pair were invited to play in the league in Mauritania, on the other side of the continent, where they could remain active and moved their club structures to the West African country, where Al Hilal emerged as champions.
But they are both back in Sudan to take part in a tournament to decide which clubs will compete in continental club competition for the 2025/26 season.
Al Hilal were quarterfinalists in this year's African Champions League despite having to host their home games on neutral territory.
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