Kenya’s two representatives in continental club football begin their CAF campaigns on Sunday, September 6, with Gor Mahia hosting reigning African champions Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League while Tusker FC face Sudanese side Al-Ahli Madani in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Gor Mahia return to the CAF Champions League after a one-season absence, having reclaimed the FKF Premier League title last season. They host Egyptian champions Pyramids FC in the first leg of the preliminary round at Nyayo National Stadium from 3pm.
The 22-time Kenyan champions head into the encounter seeking to rediscover their winning form after a difficult run in open play. Their most recent victory came against Djiboutian side Garde Républicaine in the third round of the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
Since then, Gor Mahia have faced Al Hilal Omdurman, Rayon Sports, Al Merrikh, Migori Youth, Tusker and Nairobi United without securing a victory in 90 minutes.
Coach Charles Akonnor has identified defensive concentration and the need to eliminate mistakes as crucial to Gor Mahia’s chances against a Pyramids side capable of punishing lapses.
“The little mistake you make will be punished,” Akonnor said, stressing the importance of the small details after analyzing the Egyptian side during the week.
Pyramids arrive in Nairobi in strong form, having won their opening three Egyptian league matches. The Egyptian side also have recent continental success, having won their maiden CAF Champions League title in 2025 after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 on aggregate.
Their title defence last season ended in the quarter-finals, where they lost 3-2 on aggregate to FAR Rabat.
The return leg against Gor Mahia is scheduled for September 13 in Cairo.
Meanwhile, Tusker FC begin their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Al-Ahli Madani at Kigali Pelé Stadium in Rwanda, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm.
The Brewers earned their place in the competition after ending a decade-long wait for the FKF Cup, beating Kenya Police 2-1 in June. They subsequently started the new season strongly by defeating Gor Mahia 3-1 in the FKF Super Cup.
Coach Julien Mette has set reaching the Confederation Cup group stage as Tusker’s main objective, viewing the continental campaign as part of the club’s wider rebuilding project.
Tusker also have recent continental experience, having reached the Confederation Cup play-off round in 2021/22. Their campaign ended against CS Sfaxien after a 1-0 aggregate defeat.
Al-Ahli Madani qualified for the competition after winning the Sudan Cup and are making their fourth appearance in the Confederation Cup. The Sudanese side’s opening-round home fixture is being played in Kigali because of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Sunday’s meeting will be the first competitive encounter between Tusker and Al-Ahli Madani.
Tusker captain Aboud Omar believes the Brewers are prepared for the assignment after their participation in the CECAFA Kagame Cup and victory over Gor Mahia in the Super Cup.
The return leg is scheduled for September 12 in Nairobi, with the aggregate winner advancing to the second preliminary round.
Both Kenyan clubs are seeking to make progress in continental football, but they face different challenges. Gor Mahia are competing in Africa’s premier club competition against the reigning Champions League holders, while Tusker are targeting a strong start as they pursue a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
