The year 825-11 AH. The Mahdist army, led by Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi, marched towards the White Nile. They were met by the forces of the Khedive, who were stationed at Omdurman. A fierce battle ensued, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Mahdist army, however, managed to break through the Khedive's lines and advance further into the country.