Al Hilal Shines Amid Sudan’s Struggles Under Florent Ibenge

Despite Sudan’s ongoing civil war, Florent Ibenge has steered Al Hilal to an unbeaten run in the CAF Champions League group stage, topping their group with three wins. For Ibenge, the mission transcends football: “Our goal is to bring joy to Sudanese people during these challenging times,” he shared with CAFOnline.

Forced to relocate to Mauritania due to the conflict, the team has adapted well, thanks to rigorous preparation and support from the Mauritanian Federation. This relocation has allowed the players to remain competitive, a factor Ibenge believes also explains Sudan’s national team success in AFCON qualifiers.

Beyond the pitch, the coach emphasizes the human aspect of this journey: “It’s not just about trophies but shared experiences. Here, we’re learning to manage unique challenges daily.”

Al Hilal wants to make it to the knockout rounds, and Ibenge is cautious but hopeful, dedicating each win to the Sudanese supporters whose constant support keeps the club motivated.