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From Sudan to Preston… and every game in between.

Preston Lions’ 2026 Hahn Australia Cup run may be over, but the stories behind it travel much further than the final whistle. For midfielder Jamal Ali, football has always been about the people and communities the game keeps connected.

September 29, 2026
Kristen Patchett, Head of Brand & Communications

Born in Sudan to Eritrean parents, Jamal’s pathway from Melbourne’s semi-professional game to international football was opened through a connection with another Victorian NPL player. He has since represented Eritrea on the football world stage, while balancing football with his work as a YMCA centre manager.

His story stretches across borders in another very personal way. Back home in Sudan, Jamal's grandmother watches every Preston game through the live stream powered by Superloop connectivity. A local match in Melbourne becomes a shared family moment thousands of kilometres away.

Jamal gave her plenty to watch during Preston’s first run through the national rounds, starting both knockout matches and scoring in the Round of 16.

Although Preston Lions’ Cup run ended in the Quarter Final, for Jamal and his family, the connection doesn’t end when the game does.  

Football has this brilliant ability to bring people together, whether they’re in the stands, on the other side of Melbourne or on the other side of the world. We’re proud to help players and grassroots clubs share the moments that matter with the people who matter most to them.
Ben Colman
Chief Marketing Officer, Superloop

Watch below as we chat to Jamal Ali on football, family and the connection that lets his grandmother follow every game from Sudan.

Written by

Kristen Patchett
Head of Brand & Communications

I'm driven by a passion for culture, communication and connection. I bring Superloop’s values and stories together to build a brand that unleashes possibilities.

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