Gor Mahia will be looking to move one step closer to ending a 41-year wait for CECAFA Kagame Cup glory when they face Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman in the tournament’s semi-final in Kigali, Rwanda, on Tuesday evening.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6.00 pm East Africa Time at the Kigali Pelé Stadium.
The Kenyan champions have enjoyed a solid campaign in the regional competition, topping Group A to secure a place in the last four and set up a clash against one of East and Central Africa’s most decorated clubs.
Al Hilal are one of the giants of Sudanese football, boasting a record 31 domestic league titles and a rich history in continental competitions.
Gor Mahia head into the encounter seeking their first CECAFA Kagame Cup crown since 1985.
K’Ogalo previously lifted the regional title in 1980, 1981 and 1985, making them one of the competition’s most successful Kenyan representatives.
The club’s last appearance in the final came in 2015, when they finished runners-up after losing to Tanzania’s Azam FC.
Team News
Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has been forced to navigate the tournament with a squad affected by injuries.
Winger Samuel Kapen is unavailable after suffering an ACL injury during the competition, while captain Sylvester Owino has been sidelined with a calf sprain.
Also Read: Allan Thigo: Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia Legend Who Scored 88 Goals and Played at AFCON
New signing Patrick Essombe is also out with a ligament injury.
Despite those setbacks, Akonnor has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete for the title, insisting that squad rotation during the group stage was necessary to keep players fresh for the knockout rounds.
Gor Mahia are expected to rely on their attacking 4-3-3 system, with full-backs Daniel Sakari and Mohammed Siraj providing width as they look to break down a disciplined Al Hilal side.
Al Hilal, meanwhile, arrive with a reputation for defensive organization and tactical discipline under coach Guy Bukasa.
The Sudanese club has largely operated in a compact 4-1-4-1 formation during the tournament.
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on Azam TV, including Azam TV Kenya, which holds the regional broadcast rights for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup.
Fans can watch the semi-final on Azam Sports 1 HD, or the relevant Azam Sports channel available on their package.
Those wishing to stream the game can do so via the Azam MAX app in regions where the service is available.
Starting Lineups
Gor Mahia
Bryne Omondi;
Daniel Sakari,
Mike Kibwage,
Frank Odhiambo,
Siraj Mohammed;
Ebenezer Ocran,
Enock Machaka,
Lawrence Juma,
Shariff Musa,
Paul Okoth,
David Okoth.
Al Hilal Omdurman
Farid Ouédraogo
Steven Ebuela,
Ousmane Diouf,
Mohamed Saeed Ahmed,
Ernest Luzolo;
Salaheldin Adil,
Abdel Raouf,
Walieldin Khidir;
Mohamed Abdelrahman,
Taiwo Akire,
Jean Claude Girumugisha.
CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026 Prize Money
The 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup has a total prize pool of US$60,000 (approximately KSH7.76 million), with the top three teams receiving cash awards.
Also Read: Profile of Charles Akonnor, Gor Mahia’s New Mastermind and Coach
The prize money is sponsored by Rwanda President Paul Kagame, who has supported the tournament since 2002.
- Winners: US$30,000 (approximately Ksh3.88 million)
- Runners-up: US$20,000 (approximately Ksh2.59 million)
- Third Place: US$10,000 (approximately Ksh1.29 million)
Al Hilal Omdurman separately contributed US$100,000 (approximately KSh12.93 million) in sponsorship support towards the tournament’s organization.
This contribution is independent of the prize money awarded to participating teams.
According to reports, the Sudanese club’s support is linked to a broader sponsorship commitment to the competition.
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