Al-Hilal coach Josef Zinnbauer has rejected the idea of playing easy friendly matches and wants his side to face strong opposition during their next training camp as they prepare for the African Champions League.
The German coach, who is in his first season with the Sudanese club, has asked Al-Hilal’s football department to arrange demanding opponents ahead of their second preliminary-round tie against Ethiopian side Sediama Buna.
Reliable sources told WinWin that Zinnbauer believes matches against stronger teams will provide greater technical and tactical benefits than comfortable victories against weaker opposition.
As a result, Al-Hilal are expected to face high-level clubs during the upcoming camp as the coach continues preparations for the next stage of the continental competition.
The 56-year-old has also strengthened his squad by promoting several players from the reserve team as he builds his group for the Champions League campaign.
Zinnbauer targets Champions League semi-finals
Zinnbauer is planning for Al-Hilal to make a strong impact in this season’s African Champions League, with reaching at least the semi-finals set as a shared objective between the German coach and the club’s management.
The coach’s approach to the preparation camp reflects that ambition, with the quality of opposition considered an important part of getting the team ready for the continental challenge.
Before turning their attention fully to the Champions League, however, Al-Hilal will play Al-Ahli Tripoli in a friendly with an official character in Libya on Sunday, September 20.
The Sudanese club’s delegation has already arrived in the Libyan capital, where the team received a warm welcome ahead of the match.
Zinnbauer intends to use the fixture as a serious test rather than simply a preparation exercise.
Key players expected to feature
Al-Hilal are expected to face Al-Ahli Tripoli with their strongest attacking options, with Zinnbauer planning to use his main players during the match.
The coach wants the game to provide his side with a morale-boosting victory before several of his players join the Sudan national team camp.
Sudan are preparing to face Ethiopia on September 25 in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, meaning the Al-Ahli Tripoli match will also serve as an opportunity for the players to reach the national-team camp in good condition.
Zinnbauer also wants his players to produce a performance that supports the objectives of Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah.
Al-Hilal will resume training in Tripoli on Friday, September 18, as preparations for Sunday’s fixture continue.
The Sudanese side will then hold their final training session at Tripoli International Stadium before facing Al-Ahli Tripoli.
The match will form part of Zinnbauer’s preparations for the demanding period ahead, with the coach already making clear that he wants meaningful competition rather than low-level friendly matches.
With a Champions League semi-final place identified as the target, Al-Hilal are preparing to use stronger opposition to test the squad before their continental campaign gathers pace.
