Sudanese side Al-Hilal are increasingly confident that they have solved one of the problems that has frustrated them in recent African campaigns as they prepare for the decisive second leg against Burundi’s Eagle Noir.
Al-Hilal travel to Kigali for Saturday’s match, with the game scheduled for 12 September at Amahoro Stadium. They hold a commanding advantage after winning the first leg 2-0 against their Burundian opponents.
The result leaves the Sudanese club in a strong position to progress from the preliminary round of the African Champions League, while their improved defensive performances have provided further encouragement to coach Josef Zinnbauer.
Defensive instability has been a persistent concern for Al-Hilal in recent years and has been blamed for contributing to their failure to progress beyond the quarter-final stage of the competition.
But there are signs that Zinnbauer’s approach is beginning to produce the stability the club has been seeking.
The coach has placed considerable emphasis on improving the defensive structure since taking charge, while the club has also strengthened its personnel in that area.
After recruiting Mustafa Karshoum last season, Al-Hilal added Pape Diarra during the summer transfer window. Mohamed Arnak is also expected to return, creating further competition for places in defence.
Karshoum and Diarra have formed an effective partnership at the heart of the back line, giving the team greater balance and consistency.
Their performances have been complemented by goalkeeper Soufiane Farid and a group of full-backs including Ernest Lozolo, Yasser Awad and Congolese defender Stephen Eboila.
The strength of the squad has also given Zinnbauer alternatives from the bench, with Al-Hilal now able to call on replacements who can maintain the defensive standard when changes are required.
Defence provides growing confidence
Al-Hilal’s recent record has further strengthened the belief that their defensive problems are being addressed.
The team kept its goal intact in three friendly matches played in Kigali before also preventing Eagle Noir from scoring in the first leg of the Champions League tie.
That sequence of clean sheets has been attributed to improved understanding between the defenders and the goalkeeper, as well as greater discipline within the overall defensive system.
For Al-Hilal supporters, the performances have offered reassurance that the side has the defensive strength required to negotiate the early stages of the African competition.
The club is considered a strong favourite to progress against Eagle Noir after its two-goal victory in the opening meeting. A successful conclusion to the tie would also give Zinnbauer valuable time to continue refining his team before the more demanding stages of the competition.
The first-leg victory was significant for another reason. Al-Hilal displayed confidence and attacking intent away from home, qualities that have not always been associated with Sudanese clubs in continental matches.
That performance has increased expectations that the Sudanese giants could emerge as the “dark horse” of this season’s African Champions League.
Club officials have reportedly set reaching at least the semi-finals as an initial target, meaning progression from the preliminary round would represent the first step towards a significantly deeper campaign.
Al-Hilal should approach Saturday’s return leg without the pressure of needing to overturn a deficit. Their 2-0 advantage gives them room to manage the game while continuing to build the defensive confidence that has emerged during their stay in Kigali.
After the match, the club will have a short period to continue preparations for its domestic commitments.
Al-Hilal are due to begin their Rwandan league campaign on 16 September, four days after the Champions League return leg. They will then travel to Libya for a high-profile friendly against Al-Ahly Tripoli on 20 September.
The sequence of matches will give Zinnbauer an opportunity to test his improved squad further, with particular attention likely to remain on a defence that Al-Hilal hope can finally carry them beyond the quarter-finals and towards their broader continental ambitions.
