Al-Hilal will face Burundi's Eagle Noir in the preliminary round of the African Champions League.

The draw for the first preliminary round of the 2026-2027 African Champions League, which took place today, Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the headquarters of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Cairo, revealed a Sudanese-Burundian clash between Al-Hilal of Sudan and Eagle Noir of Burundi.

Al-Hilal will meet the Burundian champion in the first leg away from home, with the return leg to be played at their home ground in Port Sudan, between September 19 and 21 for the first leg, and between September 26 and 28 for the second leg.

If Al-Hilal qualifies from this match, it will face the winner of the match between Ethiopian side Sidiama Buna and Chadian side Eglone in the second preliminary round.

Al-Hilal represents Sudan in the continental championship this season as the Premier League champion, and the Blue team seeks to make a strong comeback to the group stage after reaching the semi-finals in the previous edition.

For its part, Eagle Noir is considered one of the rising clubs in Burundi and has previously participated in continental competitions, while Sediama Bouna has experience in African championships, while Chad's Eagleon returns to continental competitions after an absence.

The first preliminary round competitions will begin with the participation of 54 teams, with 16 teams qualifying for the group stage.