Al-Hilal Omdurman are preparing for a crucial stage in their Elite League campaign, with coach Laurentiu Reghecampf adopting a rotation strategy designed to keep his players fresh ahead of an important derby clash against Al-Merrikh SC.
The Sudanese champions face Al-Ahli Madani on Tuesday in the fifth round of the Elite League at the Sports City Stadium in Kober, in a match that could have a major impact on the title race.
Al-Hilal, known as “The Blue Wave”, are aiming to maintain their winning run as they seek to defend their league crown. Victory against Al-Ahli Madani would also provide momentum heading into the highly anticipated derby against Al-Merrikh in the sixth round.
The club’s technical staff are eager to avoid entering the final round of the competition needing favourable results elsewhere, making the upcoming fixtures particularly significant.
Reghecampf has responded to the demanding schedule by introducing what has been described as a new tactical philosophy. The Romanian coach has opted to combine established first-team players with substitutes in recent matches in an effort to reduce physical strain on his core squad.
The approach was evident in Al-Hilal’s previous outing, where the coach withdrew several star players after the team secured an early advantage. The decision reflected his desire to preserve fitness levels while still capitalising on the quality and experience available within his squad.
The same strategy is expected to continue against Al-Ahli Madani as Reghecampf attempts to achieve two objectives at once — securing three points while ensuring his key players remain physically ready for the derby against Al-Merrikh.
Al-Hilal are expected to line up with Soufiane Farid in goal, while the defence could include Mustafa Karshoum, Mohamed Arnaq, Yasser Awad and Ernest Lozolo.
In midfield, Petros Abrosic, Wali El-Din Khader and Abdul Raouf Yaqoub are likely to feature, with John Claude, Ahmed Salem and Sunday Odtonje expected to lead the attack.
Despite the careful squad management, Al-Hilal continue to face difficulties in several positions due to injuries and limited depth.
The absence of Salah El-Din Adel has added to Reghecampf’s concerns, while Al-Hajj Madiki had already left the coach short of options in key areas of the pitch. The situation has forced the Romanian manager to rely on younger players and second-string squad members, particularly in defence.
The use of Namibian midfielder Petros Abroshis alongside Walid El-Din Khader has also become increasingly important as the team attempts to maintain balance despite the shortage of available players.
Al-Hilal hope victory against Al-Ahli Madani will not only strengthen their title ambitions but also place them in an ideal position before the derby on 6 June.
Their campaign is then scheduled to conclude against Al-Hilal Al-Fasher, who currently sit bottom of the standings and are no longer considered contenders in the competition.
For Reghecampf, the challenge now lies in balancing results, player fitness and squad depth during one of the defining moments of Al-Hilal’s season.
