The final draw for the regional CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026 will be held on July 10^th in Kigali, Rwanda.

Twelve teams will be drawn ahead of the tournament slated for July 24^th to August 7^th in the Rwandan capital.

The draw will take place at the Amahoro National Stadium Press Conference room at 10am (Rwanda time). Former Rwandan International and Legend Haruna Niyonzima who also played in several editions of the CECAFA Kagame Cup will assist with the draw.

Yusuf Mossi, the CECAFA Competitions Manager explained that the draw will see four teams each drawn in three groups.

“The top team in each group and the best second placed team from at of the three groups will qualify for the semi final stage,” explained Mossi.

He said the tournament will help teams in the Zone prepare better ahead of the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup which kick off in September.

CECAFA has also confirmed Singida Black Stars FC (Tanzania) as the 12^th team in the competition. Last year Singida Black Stars FC defeated Al Hilal in the final, while APR FC finished third when the tournament was held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The teams that will be drawn include; APR FC, ⁠Rayon Sport (Rwanda), ⁠Simba SC, Singida Black Stars FC (Tanzania), ⁠Vipers SC (Uganda), ⁠Al Hilal SC, ⁠El Merriekh SC (Sudan), ⁠Gor Mahia FC (Kenya), ⁠Mogadishu City FC (Somalia), ⁠Jamus SC ( South Sudan), ⁠FC Garde Républicaine (Djibouti), ⁠and KVZ FC (Zanzibar)

Tanzania Premier League side, Simba SC will feature in the regional CECAFA Kagame Cup.

Rwanda will host the tournament slated for July 24^th to August 8^th in Kigali at the Amahoro National Stadium and the Kigali Pele Stadium.

Simba SC who have lifted the regional trophy a record six times return to the event since their last appearance in 2018 where they lost 2-1 to Azam FC.

Jean Sseninde, the Interim Executive Director confirmed that all top teams from the region will play in the tournament. “We are excited that this tournament will give the 12 teams a platform to prepare well ahead of the CAF competitions kicking off in September 2026,” added Sseninde.

She disclosed that the 12th team will be announced on July 6th, 2026. Hosts will be represented by top sides APR FC and Rayon Sports FC.

Three Member Associations Ethiopia, Eritrea and Burundi will not send teams to the CECAFA Kagame Cup. Last year Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars FC stopped Al Hilal SC in the final.

Eleven teams for CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026

APR FC, ⁠Rayon Sport (Rwanda), ⁠Simba SC (Tanzania), ⁠Vipers SC (Uganda), ⁠Al Hilal SC, ⁠El Merriekh SC (Sudan), ⁠Gor Mahia FC (Kenya), ⁠Mogadishu City FC (Somalia), ⁠Jamus SC ( South Sudan), ⁠FC Garde Républicaine (Djibouti), ⁠KVZ FC (Zanzibar)

Somalia Premier League reigning champions, Mogadishu City Club have picked their first point in the on-going CECAFA Kagame Cup 2025.

The Mogadishu City Club held the 2024 bronze medal winners and Sudan Premier League giants Al Hilal Omdurman to a 1-1 in a Group C match played at the Gen. Isamuhyo Stadium on Thursday.

Khadohi Marka Kawasira gave Mogadishu City Club the lead from the spot after 19 minutes. Al Hilal’s defender fouled in the box and the referee from Rwanda Celestin Nsabimana pointed to the spot for a penalty.

Kawasira sent the Al Hilal Omdurman goalkeeper Ali Abbdalla the wrong side. But the Sudan champions did not give up and pushed forward with Emmanuel Elomo and and Kindness Cole coming close to scoring.

After only five minutes Emmanuel Elomo leveled matters for Al Hilal Omdurman. The Sudan team dominated most of the second half, but Mogadishu City Club defended in numbers.

“I am very happy that we played against an experienced team and managed to get a point. We shall keep working hard in the other matches to be played in the group,” said Mogadishu City Club coach Dadir Amin Ali.

In an earlier Group C match South Sudan’s Kator FC settled for a goalless draw against Alahly SC Wad Madani (Sudan).

Kator FC who finished second in the 2024/2025 South Sudan Premier League created more scoring opportunities than their opponents, but lacked the sharpness.

Action continues on Friday with Ethiopian Coffee SC facing Garde Cotes FC (Djibouti), while Kenya Police FC take on Singida Black Stars FC in Group A matches at the KMC Stadium.

Kenya Police FC have made a winning start in the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2025.

The Kenya Premier League reigning champion humbled Garde Cotes FC 4-0 in the first Group A match played at the Gen. Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Eric Zakayo gave Kenya Police FC the lead after 19 minutes, and David Simiyu scored the second goal 15 minutes later.

Mourad Med Omar also had an opportunity to pull a goal back for the Djibouti Premier League side, but missed the target by inches.

In the second half Garde Gotes tried to defend better, but failed to stop the Kenyan team.

Baraka Badi and Edward Omondi added two more goals for the Kenya Police FC side.

Etienne Ndayiragije, the Kenya Police FC head coach said he was happy with the win. “I am very excited getting a big win in the opening match of the tournament,” added Ndayiragije.

In the second Group A match a 10-man Ethiopian Coffee SC team held Tanzania Premier League side Singida Black Stars FC to a goalless draw.

After a goalless firsts half, the two teams came all out to try and find the goals, but to no avail. Ethiopian Coffee SC goalkeeper Ibrahim Donald was was sent off after 51 minutes after he tackled a Singida Black Stars FC player outside the box.

Action continues on Wednesday with two Group B matches at the KMC Stadium. Last year’s finalists APR FC (Rwanda) will face Bumamuru FC (Burundi), while KMC FC (Tanzania) battle Mlandege FC (Zanzibar) in the second match.