Tusker ready for continental duty as Sudan's Al Ahli Madani lie in wait

Tusker FC are set to return to continental football this weekend when they take on Sudanese side Al Ahli Madani in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

The Brewers will face Al Ahli Madani at the Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda on Saturday before hosting the Sudanese side in the return leg in Nairobi on 12 September.

The campaign marks Tusker’s return to CAF competition after four years, with the Brewers last featuring on the continental stage during the 2021/22 season.

It is also a significant return for a club with a proud history in African football. In 1994, when the club competed as Kenya Breweries FC, the Brewers reached the final of the African Cup Winners’ Cup.

More than three decades later, Tusker head into the continental campaign with a strengthened squad and renewed ambitions under Head Coach Juliet Mette.

The Club has brought in a mix of experienced players and young prospects during the close season as they prepare for a demanding campaign across domestic and continental competitions.

The team also carry early-season momentum into the CAF campaign after defeating Gor Mahia 3-1 in the FKF Super Cup to claim the first trophy of the 2026/27 season.

Speaking during a flag off ceremony on Wednesday in Nairobi, head coach Julien Mette said their target is to reach the group stages.

“We have a new cycle for the club. We have brought in experienced players who can provide leadership, alongside young players who have potential and are part of the project. We have to win, but we also have to develop these young players,” said Mette.

The coach says the team’s focus is not only on progressing from the opening round, but also on building a side capable of competing consistently at continental level.

“For me, the long term is more important. We have to have a proper identity, a type of play and a style of play. We must be strong and respect our principles. This is how we win in the long term,” he added.

Captain Abud Omar says the squad has hit top form after featuring in the CECAFA Kagame Cup and beating Gor Mahia 3-1 in the FKF Super Cup.

“We are well prepared. Playing in CECAFA and winning the Super Cup showed us what to expect at this level. Keeping a clean sheet gives us a big advantage. We know it will be a tough game, but we are going for a win to make the return leg easier for our fans at home,” Omar said.

Omar also urged local football administrators to resolve the ongoing league delay promptly to maintain player fitness and preserve the competitive reputation of Kenyan football.

Progression over the two legs would take Tusker into the next round and one step closer to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.