El-Merreikh’s Egyptian coach Hossam El-Badry resigned from his post on Friday without disclosing reasons for his sudden departure.

Reports suggested his premature exit was down to personal reasons, saying that he will fly directly to Canada where his family is living.

The 51-year-old took over at El-Merreikh last summer after leaving Cairo giants Ahly, whom he led to the Egyptian Premier League title last season.

Under his guidance, the team made a superb start to the Sudanese league, winning 12 matches and losing once to top the table at the halfway stage with a three-point lead over bitter foes Al-Hilal.

However, they exited the African Champions League from the preliminary round after losing to Angola’s Interclub on penalties following a 2-2 aggregate draw.