Tusker FC fall 2-0 to Al Hilal in CECAFA Kagame Cup opener
Goals from Kamaradini Mamudu in the first half and Salim Adams deep into stoppage time handed the Sudanese giants all three points in the Group C opener.
Part of the action between Tusker FC and Al Hilal SC during their 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup match on July 26, 2026. (Photo: Rwanda FA)
Tusker FC began their 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Sudanese heavyweights Al Hilal SC on Sunday evening at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Brewers were punished by two well-taken goals despite producing an encouraging display in spells.
Goals from Kamaradini Mamudu in the first half and Salim Adams deep into stoppage time handed the Sudanese giants all three points in the Group C opener, leaving Tusker with an uphill task ahead of their remaining matches against hosts Rayon Sports and Zanzibar's KVZ SC.
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The regional tournament forms a key part of Tusker's preparations for the 2026/27 season, with head coach Julien Mette using the competition to build fitness, integrate new signings and fine-tune the squad ahead of both the FKF Premier League and CAF Confederation Cup campaigns.
Al Hilal, one of Africa's most decorated clubs and regular CAF Champions League contenders, controlled possession in the opening exchanges, but Tusker remained compact defensively and looked dangerous on the counterattack.
The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark when Mamudu's effort took a decisive deflection that wrong-footed goalkeeper Brandon Obiero before nestling into the back of the net to hand Al Hilal a 1-0 advantage.
Tusker nearly found an immediate response before the break through defender Abud Omar, whose curling free-kick beat the wall but drifted agonisingly wide of the upright, leaving the Brewers trailing by a solitary goal at halftime.
Seeking a response, Mette made four substitutions at the interval, introducing Tom Teka, Yakeen Mutheli, Brian Ikutwa and Fabi to inject fresh energy into the contest.
The changes brought greater urgency to Tusker's play as they pushed higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser.
Abud again came close midway through the second half with another well-struck free-kick that forced the Al Hilal goalkeeper into a full-length save. The rebound fell kindly to Disse, but the forward failed to direct his effort on target from close range.
Moments later, Victor Ali picked up possession brilliantly on the edge of the penalty area, turned sharply and unleashed a low shot that was comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper.
Tusker continued to press in the closing stages, with Steve Omondi almost making an immediate impact after replacing Victor. Hood delivered an inviting corner in the 90th minute, and Omondi rose highest to power a header towards goal, only for the Al Hilal goalkeeper to produce an outstanding save to preserve his side's lead.
With the Brewers committing numbers forward in search of a late equaliser, Al Hilal struck a decisive blow in stoppage time. Salim Adams finished off a swift counterattack in the fifth minute of added time to seal a 2-0 victory and condemn Tusker to defeat in their opening fixture.
Despite the disappointing result, Tusker showed encouraging signs throughout the contest, particularly after the interval, as Mette continued to assess his reshaped squad ahead of the new season.
The Brewers will now shift their attention to Wednesday's crucial Group C clash against Rwandan side Rayon Sports at Kigali Pele Stadium, knowing victory will be vital to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive before they conclude the group phase against KVZ SC on August 1.