Sudanese club Al Hilal Ondurman recently made a bold decision for their CAF Champions League matches. In the absence of approved stadiums in their country, following the civil war, the club chose to use the TP Mazembe stadium in Lubumbashi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to host their opponents during home matches.
This decision was taken taking into account that the TP Mazembe stadium is one of the largest and most modern in Africa. With a capacity of over 18,000 and world-class facilities, it provides an ideal setting for high-level matches.
The choice of the TP Mazembe stadium presents several advantages for Al Hilal Ondurman. First of all, this allows the club to have a quality playing field for its international matches. This not only improves the playing conditions for players, but also the overall spectator experience.
Furthermore, this decision also strengthens the ties between the two clubs, Al Hilal Ondurman and TP Mazembe, as well as the supporters of the two teams. Football fans in Lubumbashi will now have the opportunity to follow not only the matches of TP Mazembe, but also those of Al Hilal Ondurman in the Champions League.
However, it is worth emphasizing that this decision is not without challenges. Organizing international matches in a foreign country involves additional costs and requires coordination between the different parties involved. It will also be necessary to put in place adequate security measures to guarantee the smooth running of the meetings.
Despite these challenges, Al Hilal Ondurman made a courageous and innovative decision to face the difficult situation in their country. This demonstrates their determination to continue participating in continental competitions and proudly representing Sudanese football.
Ultimately, this initiative shows football’s ability to overcome obstacles and create connections between clubs and fans, beyond geographical boundaries. It also illustrates the importance of modern sports infrastructure for the development of sport in Africa.
As football fans in the Democratic Republic of Congo prepare to welcome Al Hilal Ondurman to their stadium, they will be able to bear witness to the spirit of solidarity and openness that animates the world of football. A great lesson to learn, which proves that sport can transcend differences and unite people.