Al Merrikh SC have withdrawn from the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, which shall be held in Kigali from July 24 to August 7.
The Sudanese membership introduced its choice on Thursday, opting as an alternative to concentrate on preparations for the 2026/27 season, throughout which it’ll compete within the CAF Champions League.
In response to the membership, the withdrawal adopted a suggestion from the senior crew's technical workers, who requested a devoted pre-season coaching camp to raised put together the squad for the calls for of the upcoming marketing campaign.
“Al Merrikh SC has confirmed its withdrawal from the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup after the senior crew's teaching workers requested a specialised coaching camp to arrange for the brand new season,” the membership mentioned in an announcement.
“Following an evaluation of the crew's wants, administration determined {that a} targeted coaching programme would supply the very best preparation for each home and continental competitions.”
The crew will nonetheless journey to Kigali, the place it’ll regroup and start its pre-season preparations, together with a collection of pleasant matches, as a part of its build-up to the CAF Champions League and home league marketing campaign.
Kenya's Tusker FC are anticipated to exchange Al Merrikh and full the 12-team lineup forward of Friday's event attract Kigali.
Sudan will nonetheless be represented by Al Hilal SC, final season's runners-up.
The opposite confirmed contributors are Vipers SC (Uganda), Simba SC (Tanzania), Gor Mahia FC (Kenya), Mogadishu Metropolis FC (Somalia), Jamus SC (South Sudan), FC Garde Républicaine (Djibouti), KVZ FC (Zanzibar), and hosts APR FC and Rayon Sports activities of Rwanda.
