Goals from Francis Oduor, Eugene Ikutwa and Ian Simiyu’s diving header completely outclassed Gor Mahia in the annual curtain-raiser. This dominant display provided Tusker with an invaluable confidence boost ahead of the new season.
This emphatic victory handed head coach Julien Mette his first piece of silverware of the season and shattered Gor Mahia’s psychological advantage.
Tusker goalkeeper Dinka Derrauuld goes for the ball as Gor Mahia's Ben Stanley advances during their Football Kenya Federation Super Cup match on at Nyayo National Stadium on August 23, 2026. Tusker won 3-1.
It also proves that Tusker has the clinical edge and depth to dethrone the champions and reclaim the league title they last won in the 2021/22 season.
This victory is all the more significant given Tusker’s disappointing campaign at the Cecafa Kagame Cup earlier this month. The Brewers were eliminated at the group stage after losing 1–0 to Rayon Sports and 2–0 to Al Hilal Omdurman.
Tusker strengthened their squad significantly during the transfer window, which closed on August 21. The club signed Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma and Djiboutian defender Hassan Warsama on one-year deals.
Their French coach, Mette, also brought in Congolese goalkeeper Perrauld Ndinga, defender John Otieno, winger Alvin Mang’eni, and Gambian striker Abdoulie Joof. All of these players started against Gor Mahia on Sunday.
Other new arrivals include captain Aboud Omar and Ivorian winger Aboubacar Doumbia, who joined from Al Orobah.
Meanwhile, Fabian Adikiny, Simiyu and Tom Ateka have extended their contracts with the 13-time league champions.
Mette was appointed as coach on February 20, replacing Charles Okere. At the time, the club was struggling in the league. Tusker were in 10th place when Mette took over. He guided them to a seventh-place finish with 44 points. Tusker won seven of the 15 matches that Mette was in charge of.
The Frenchman could not hide his joy after defeating Gor Mahia; “We handled their pressure well and scored three goals. It’s a great start. This was a competitive match against the league champions. This victory gives us a good benchmark going into the league and continental preliminary fixtures,” said Mette.
Tusker were the better side during the match. New signings Servyl Akoula and Joof dominated the midfield as Gor Mahia struggled to make headway.
Tusker FC players lift the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup Trophy after being crowned winners.
Photo credit: Pool
Unlike Gor Mahia, Tusker were clinical in front of goal and took their chances.
Ndinga was equally impressive in goal, and his performance suggests that experienced goalkeeper Brian Bwire could face a fight to keep his place in the starting line-up. Simiyu, who was also in good form last season, could once again be a key source of goals for the brewers this season.
Tusker’s pace, quick passing and movement were also notable during the clash.
