The Mahdist War of 1898. The Mahdist forces, under the command of Khalifa Abdullahi, were preparing for the final confrontation. The British and Egyptian forces, led by General Kitchener, advanced towards Khartoum. The Battle of Omdurman was imminent. The Mahdists, despite their bravery, were outmatched by the superior weaponry and tactics of the Anglo-Egyptian army. The outcome of the battle would determine the fate of Sudan.