By Joshua Otieno | September 6, 2026
Tusker FC return to continental football today as they face Sudanese side Al Ahli Wad Medani in the first leg of the 2026–27 CAF Confederation Cup first qualifying round at Kigali Pelé Stadium in Rwanda.
The match is scheduled for 5:00pm East African Time, with the first leg being played at a neutral venue because of the security situation in Sudan. The return leg will be played on September 12 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with the aggregate winner progressing to face either Al Ghazala Wau of South Sudan or Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars.
Tusker return to CAF competition after a four-year absence, earning their place after defeating Kenya Police 2–1 in the FKF Cup final.
The Brewers arrive in Rwanda with confidence following a convincing 3–1 victory over Gor Mahia in the FKF Super Cup final. They had earlier recorded a 2–0 win over KVZ FC in the CECAFA Kagame Cup but suffered defeats against Rayon Sports and Al Hilal Omdurman during the same tournament.
Al Ahli Wad Medani, meanwhile, head into the encounter with a record that suggests they can be dangerous in attack. The Sudanese side have produced several high-scoring matches in their recent domestic fixtures, including a 2–2 draw against Al Hilal Port Sudan, a 3–1 victory over Umm Magd Al Kamlin and a 3–3 draw with Hay Al Wadi SC.
The two clubs have never met in a competitive fixture, making today’s encounter their first-ever meeting on the continental stage.
Tusker head coach Charles Okere will be hoping his side can use their recent Super Cup triumph as a springboard for a strong start to their African campaign. A positive result in Kigali would give the Kenyan side an important advantage ahead of the return leg in Nairobi.
With qualification determined over two legs, Tusker will be targeting a disciplined performance at the Kigali Pelé Stadium before returning home to complete the job in front of their supporters.
For Al Ahli Wad Medani, the objective will be to take advantage of playing the opening leg away from Nairobi and secure a result that keeps their qualification hopes firmly alive.
The stage is therefore set for a fresh continental chapter for Tusker, with the Brewers looking to make their return to CAF competition count from the opening whistle.
