Kenya’s hopes of making a mark in Africa’s premier club competitions rest on Gor Mahia and Kenya Police Bullets, with the two national champions facing contrasting paths in their respective CAF Champions League qualifiers.

Gor Mahia face the tougher assignment after being drawn against Egyptian heavyweights Pyramids FC in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

K’Ogalo will host the first leg at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on September 6, before travelling to Cairo for the return fixture on September 13.

The Kenyan champions will start as underdogs against Pyramids, who won the African title in 2025 and remain among the continent’s strongest sides.

Gor coach Charles Akonnor, however, believes the tie is far from decided.

“Indeed, they are giants, but in football everything is possible. What is right is also for us to make sure we play well and win, especially in our first leg which is in Kenya,” Akonnor said.

Gor’s best chance will be to build a healthy advantage at Nyayo before travelling to Egypt. Their preparations, however, suffered a setback on Sunday when they lost 3-1 to Tusker in the FKF Super Cup.

In the women’s competition, Kenya Police Bullets are in a much stronger position after opening their CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Simba Queens in Kigali. Faith Mboya and Martha Amunyolete scored for the Kenyan champions.

Police Bullets next face Burundi’s Top Girls Academy on Wednesday, August 26, at Kigali Pelé Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm. A draw would be enough to secure top spot in Group C and a semi-final place.

Coach David Vijago believes the Bullets can go all the way.

“We came into the match as underdogs, but we fought for the win,” Vijago said after beating Simba. “We pray for God to guide us and give us the strength to win the tournament so that we can qualify for the Champions League.”

Unlike Gor, Police Bullets have qualification firmly in their hands, although they must still navigate the knockout rounds to secure CECAFA’s single ticket to the continental finals.

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