Al Hilal SC beat Tusker FC 2-0 in CECAFA Kagame Cup opener (Photos)

Sudanese giants Al Hilal SC began their 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign in impressive fashion with a 2-0 victory over Kenya’s Tusker FC in their opening Group C match at Amahoro Stadium on Sunday.

Goals from Kamaradini Mamudu and Salim Adams ensured Al Hilal claimed all three points in a match where Tusker produced encouraging spells but failed to convert their chances against a disciplined Sudanese side.

The encounter started at a lively pace, with both teams showing attacking intent while remaining organized defensively.

Tusker looked confident in possession during the opening exchanges and threatened through Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma, whose dangerous effort in the 18th minute was cleared behind by Al Hilal defender Diara before it could trouble goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa.

Al Hilal gradually settled into the contest and began to assert themselves in midfield.

Emmanuel Flomo came close to breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute with a powerful strike from distance that was brilliantly blocked by Thomas Teka Omenda, while another promising move moments later ended with Aprocius Magemeno Petrus setting up Flomo, who fired narrowly wide.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 30th minute through a moment of individual brilliance.

Midfielder Kamaradini Mamudu collected the ball outside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful long-range effort that beat the Tusker goalkeeper to give the Sudanese champions a deserved lead.

Tusker attempted to respond before the interval, with Abuud Omar delivering a dangerous free-kick that narrowly missed the target, but Al Hilal remained compact and took their one-goal advantage into the break.

The Kenyan side returned for the second half determined to find an equaliser and enjoyed their best spell of the match.

They pressed high, controlled possession and forced Al Hilal onto the defensive for long periods.

Their best opportunity came in the 65th minute when a fierce free-kick was superbly saved by Mohamed Mustafa before the rebound was fired over, leaving Tusker frustrated.

As Tusker committed more players forward, spaces began to open at the back.

Al Hilal managed the game intelligently, slowing the tempo when required and relying on their experienced defence to absorb sustained pressure.

The Sudanese side also benefited from disciplined performances across the pitch despite receiving yellow cards for Kamaradini Mamudu, Yaser Awad Boshara Omer and Aprocius Magemeno Petrus.

Tusker continued to push until the closing stages and earned applause from sections of the crowd for their determined display, despite trailing.

However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished deep into stoppage time when Salim Adams stretched to convert Al Hilal’s second goal, sealing a comfortable victory moments before the final whistle.

Before kick-off, players, officials and supporters observed a moment of silence in memory of renowned Rwandan coach Gilbert Kanyankore ‘Yaoundé’, 72, who passed away on 25 July after a prolonged illness. 

The tribute honoured one of the region’s most respected football figures, who coached several clubs in Rwanda and Burundi during an illustrious career.

Photos