Ibenge’s Al Hilal wallops Red Arrows 5-0 in CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup

Sudan Premier League giants Al Hilal have continued to show impressive form at the on-going Dar Port Kagame Cup 2024.

Coach Florent Ibenge’s team kick started their Group B campaign with a 2-0 win against ASAS Djibouti Telecom, and thrashed guest side Red Arrows FC (Zambia) 5-0 on Saturday at the Azam Complex, Chamazi.

Although Red Arrows had stopped Kenyan Premier champions Gor Mahia FC 1-0 in their opening match, Al Hilal proved a better side in all departments when they netted a hat-trick through Adama Coulibali, while Mohamed Abdelthman Yousif picked a brace.

The win sent Al Hilal further top of the group with six points, seven goals scored and none conceded. “I am happy that my team keeps improving in every match and we keep working hard ahead of more matches to come,” said a happy Ibenge after the match.

The second match witnessed ASAS Djibouti Telecom pick their first point of the tournament when they held Gor Mahia FC 1-1.

After piling lots of pressure Gor Mahia took the lead through Levin Joseph Odhiambo after 39 minutes, but the Djibouti team responded immediately when they leveled scores two minutes later through Warsama Houssein Said.

ASAS Djibouti Telecom coach Mohamed-Kader Daher Ahmed said although they picked their first point in the tournament, he is impressed with the attitude and fighting spirit of his team. “This tournament is giving us good ground to assess ourselves and also get more exposure on international stage,” added the coach.

Action continues on Monday with Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa facing APR FC (Rwanda) at the KMC Stadium, while Singida Black Stars FC (Tanzania) take on El Merriekh Bentiu at the Azam Complex, Chamazi in the other Group C match.

In Group A matches JKU SC (Zanzibar) will face Dekadaha FC (Somalia), while Coastal Union FC battle Sudan’s Hay Al Wadi FC.

The top teams in each of the three groups will qualify for the semi-final stage together with the best second placed team. The champions will pick a cash prize of US$30,000, the runner-up US$20,000 and the third placed US$10,000.