KIGALI, Rwanda – Kenyan champions Gor Mahia FC will renew their quest for regional supremacy after being drawn into a daunting Group A of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup alongside hosts APR FC, Uganda champions Vipers SC, and Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine.
The draw, conducted on Friday in Kigali, has set up one of the tournament’s most anticipated groups, with three of East Africa’s traditional football heavyweights expected to battle fiercely for the knockout places.
For Gor Mahia, the tournament represents more than just regional bragging rights. It will provide the perfect opportunity for the FKF Premier League champions to test their squad, integrate new signings, and build momentum ahead of their CAF inter-club campaign.
APR FC will enjoy home support throughout the tournament and enter the competition determined to finally lift the regional title on home soil. Uganda’s Vipers SC also arrive as one of the favourites after another successful domestic season, setting up what promises to be a blockbuster East African showdown.
Garde Républicaine may appear to be outsiders, but the Djiboutian side has steadily improved in recent years and could prove difficult opponents capable of upsetting the established powers.
Early Test for Gor Mahia’s New Squad
The Kagame Cup has traditionally served as the ideal pre-season tournament for East and Central Africa’s elite clubs, allowing coaches to assess tactical systems before the start of domestic and continental competitions.
Gor Mahia are expected to use the competition to give valuable minutes to several new arrivals while building chemistry ahead of another demanding campaign.
The Kenyan giants remain among the competition’s most successful clubs historically, having previously lifted the regional title, and will be eager to add another Kagame Cup trophy to their illustrious cabinet.
Group Stage Draw
Group A
- APR FC (Rwanda)
- Vipers SC (Uganda)
- Gor Mahia FC (Kenya)
- Garde Républicaine (Djibouti)
Group B
- Singida Black Stars
- Simba SC
- Jamus SC
- Mogadishu City Club
Group C
- Al Hilal SC
- Rayon Sports
- Tusker FC
- KVZ FC
Interestingly, Tusker FC were drafted into the tournament after replacing Sudanese side Al Merriekh, who withdrew before the draw.
Can K’Ogalo Reach the Knockout Stage?
Group A is widely expected to be the “Group of Death,” with APR, Vipers and Gor Mahia all viewed as genuine title contenders. Every point could prove decisive, meaning Gor Mahia will have little margin for error from the opening whistle.
For K’Ogalo supporters, however, these are exactly the kind of high-profile matches that define the club’s rich history. If Gor Mahia can navigate Group A successfully, they will immediately establish themselves as one of the favourites to lift the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup.
