Gor Mahia and Tusker FC begin their continental campaigns this season with demanding preliminary round fixtures on Sunday.
K’Ogalo host Egypt’s Pyramids at Nyayo National Stadium from 4pm in their CAF Champions League first qualifying round first leg, while Tusker face Sudanese side Al Ahli Madani in their CAF Confederation Cup first qualifying round first leg at Kigali Pele Stadium, Kigali in Rwanda, from 5pm.
“We are ready for the game after a week of intense preparation. Now is the time to put into practice what we have been training on. I have told my players not to fear them, but to play with confidence, hold the ball and utilise our chances. That is the only way we will pin them down,” Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor said on Saturday.
The Ghanaian tactician has called on Gor Mahia supporters to turn up early and create an electric atmosphere at Nyayo.
“We need that energy inside the stadium and an electric atmosphere will inject confidence and put good pressure on us. This is a game being watched by the whole of Africa, and a good performance can also open doors for my players in their careers," Akonnor said.
“As I told you, this match is like the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said, setting his sights on a 2-0 victory.
Akonnor plans to strengthen his midfield to disrupt Pyramids’ passing game while relying on a potent attack to exploit the Egyptian champions’ defence.
Alpha Onyango and Enock Machaka are expected to play key roles in midfield, with Ben Stanley providing width. Akonnor could also turn to speedy winger Shariff Musa, whose dribbling ability could trouble the Pyramids’ defenders.
Up front, Ebeneza Assifuah and Dennis Omedi will carry the responsibility of converting the chances that come their way. Assifuah, however, will need to improve his movement and use his pace to create space and make himself available for passes from midfield.
Pyramids players during a training session at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on September 5, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Defender Paul Ochuoga believes Gor’s week-long preparations have given them the platform to compete against the Egyptians.
“The coach has a hard time selecting his squad because everyone wants to play this game. This is a big match and we have to get a good result at home,” Ochuoga said.
Tickets are retailing for Sh300 regular, while VIP tickets are selling for Sh1,500 and VVIP Sh3,000.
The Kenyan champions will have to keep a close eye on DR Congo international forward Fiston Mayele, who made his name during his time at Tanzanian giants Yanga. Ochuoga will be tasked with keeping the striker quiet.
Gor must also watch out for Pyramids attackers Mostafa Fathi and Marwan Hamdy, while goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy will be a key obstacle for Omedi and his fellow forwards.
Gor held their final training session on Saturday morning, while Pyramids trained at Nyayo in the evening.
Their best recent run in Africa was the 2018/2019 Confederation Cup when they reached the quarter-finals before losing 7-1 on aggregate to Morocco’s RS Berkane.
In Kigali, Tusker coach Julien Mette is already looking beyond the preliminary round, insisting that his side has the quality to dispatch Al Ahli Madani.
Tusker FC forward Eric Kapaito (left) and teammate Abubacar Doumbia during a training session at M-Pesa Foundation Academy on September 1, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“Since we came here, we have had good preparation. This is a game we must win. I have good players,” Mette said from Kigali.
Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma will be among Tusker’s main attacking threats. The 29-year-old scored 15 goals in 26 Nigerian Premier League appearances for Enyimba last season.
Francis Oduor, Eugene Ikutwa, Gambian forward Abdoulie Joof and Ian Simiyu are also expected to play important roles as Tusker return to CAF competition after a four-year hiatus.
Tusker captain Aboud Omar, who recently joined the club from Kenya Police, will marshal the defence.
Tusker’s best outing in Africa was in 1994, when, then called Breweries, they reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup, losing 5-2 on aggregate to DR Congo’s Motema Pembe.
