Big-spending Tusker brought down to earth as Al Hilal strike twice to spoil Kagame Cup return
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 26.07.26. | 18:26
The Brewers had hoped to have a good start like Gor Mahia who thrashed Rwanda's APR in their opener
Tusker FC began their 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Sudanese giants Al Hilal in their Group C opener at Amahoro Stadium on Sunday.
Goals in either half from Gamar Eldin and Salim Adams handed the Sudanese giants a commanding start to their campaign.
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The Sudanese side, runners-up in last year's tournament, were keen to make a strong start to their latest title bid, while Tusker, returning to the regional competition for the first time in almost a decade—were seeking a positive start to their campaign.
The Brewers made a bright start and nearly broke the deadlock inside the opening 10 minutes.
Ian Simiyu latched onto a defence-splitting pass from Chris Erambo but could only send his effort over the crossbar.
Al Hilal responded almost immediately as winger Godwin Frimpong raced onto Yasir Mozamil's cut-back in the 15th minute, only to volley narrowly wide.
Hilal gradually gained control of the contest and threatened through Haman Mandjan, whose powerful strike from the edge of the area forced Tusker goalkeeper Brandon Obiero into a sharp reflex save after neat build-up play involving Babe Diarra.
Tusker remained dangerous on the counter, with Stephen Etyang coming close midway through the first half.
The winger used his blistering pace to beat his marker before curling a fine effort towards goal, but Al Hilal goalkeeper Mustafa produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.
The breakthrough finally arrived on the half-hour mark.
A slick attacking move involving Frimpong and Eldin ended with the latter's effort taking a deflection off a Tusker defender before finding the back of the net.
The Kenyan side nearly restored parity before the interval.
New signing Victor Mbaoma saw his acrobatic overhead kick flash narrowly wide from Etyang's delivery, before returning defender Abud Omar came inches away with a superbly struck free-kick that drifted just past the upright.
Seeking a way back into the match, Tusker head coach Julien Métté made four changes at the start of the second half, introducing John Otieno, December Kisaka, Warsi Ahmed and Mohamed Disse.
The changes almost paid off just after the hour mark.
A well-struck free-kick was spilled by Mustafa into the path of Disse, but the forward failed to convert the rebound from close range.
Moments later, Mbaoma tested the goalkeeper again with a powerful effort from the edge of the area, but Mustafa was equal to the task.
Al Hilal also threatened to extend their advantage, with Yaser Awad heading Frimpong's corner narrowly wide with 15 minutes remaining.
Tusker threw numbers forward in the closing stages in search of a late equaliser, but Al Hilal had the final say.
Deep into stoppage time, Adams sealed the victory with the Sudanese side's second goal of the afternoon off from a counter attack,ensuring a deserved 2-0 win and all three points.
The victory sends the Sudanese side to the top of Group C and strengthens their hopes of reaching the semi-finals, while Tusker sit bottom of the standings ahead of the later clash between Rayon Sports and KVZ SC.