Tusker FC goalkeeper Brian Bwirre during training/HANDOUT Tusker FC captain Abud Omar believes the Brewers have enough quality and experience to overcome Sudanese side Al Ahli Madani and make a strong return to continental football.
Tusker begin their 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup campaign on Saturday when they face Al Ahli Madani in the first preliminary round at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda. The Brewers will host the Sudanese side in the return leg in Nairobi on September 12, with Omar calling for discipline and commitment from his teammates.
Speaking at Ruaraka on Wednesday as the team was flagged off for the continental assignment, Omar challenged his teammates to give their best in Rwanda.
“We have prepared well, and we have enough ammunition to deal with our opponents. Every player must play his role and execute his duties diligently,” said Omar. Tusker are returning to continental football after a four-year absence, having last featured in CAF competition during the 2021/22 season.
Omar said the players understand the importance of starting the campaign on the right footing. “We know what is at stake. We must be focused from the first whistle and avoid making unnecessary mistakes because these are two-leg matches,” he said.
The Brewers carry confidence into the tie after beating Gor Mahia 3-1 in the FKF Super Cup to win the first trophy of the 2026/27 season. The victory has provided Julien Mette’s side with an early boost as they prepare for a demanding domestic and continental campaign. “We want to carry the confidence from the Super Cup into this competition, but we also know that CAF matches are different. We have to remain humble, disciplined and work for each other,” Omar said.
The club has strengthened its squad during the close season, bringing in a blend of experienced players and promising youngsters. Omar believes the mixture gives Tusker the depth required to compete on multiple fronts.
“We have a good squad with experienced players and young talents. What matters now is how we combine our strengths and fight together as one team,” he said. KBL Marketing and Innovation Director Mark Mugisha said Tusker’s return to Africa was an important milestone for the club.
“We are proud to see Tusker FC return to the continental stage. This is an opportunity for the team to build on the club’s proud history in African football and create a new chapter. We believe in this team and want them to compete with confidence and represent Tusker and Kenya with pride,” said Mugisha.
Mugisha urged the Brewers to build on their Super Cup success. “The Super Cup was a great start to the season, but this is another level of challenge. Our message to the team is simple: go out there, compete, play your football and make Kenya proud. We will be behind you throughout the journey,” he added.
Tusker have a rich continental history, having reached the African Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1994 when they competed as Kenya Breweries FC.
