Several top clubs from Libya and Tunisia have expressed interest in competing at the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, scheduled to be held in Kigali from July 25 to August 9. Libyan giants Al Ahly Benghazi and Tunisian heavyweights CS Sfaxien have formally requested invitations to the tournament, while fellow Libyan side Al Nasr Benghazi has also shown strong interest. If confirmed, their participation would mark a significant boost for the competition, reflecting CECAFA's ambition to transform the Kagame Cup into a premier preseason tournament capable of attracting some of Africa's top clubs. The growing interest from North African teams also highlights the tournament's increasing appeal beyond its traditional East and Central African base. Al Ahly Benghazi, one of Libya's most decorated clubs, are currently preparing for the Libyan Cup final against Al Ahly Tripoli, a side that features Rwanda international Thierry Manzi. Their city rivals, Al Nasr Benghazi, are also among the clubs being considered for this year's edition. Meanwhile, CS Sfaxien, one of Tunisia's most successful clubs and multiple CAF Confederation Cup champions, would add significant continental pedigree to the tournament. Sources indicate that discussions between the club and organisers are at an advanced stage. CECAFA plans to stage the Kagame Cup in Rwanda for the next three years as part of a broader strategy to establish the competition as a key preparatory tournament ahead of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup seasons. Rwanda is expected to be represented by APR FC and Rayon Sports, while Police FC and Kiyovu Sports remain on the waiting list, subject to the number of slots allocated to the host nation. Other clubs expected to feature include Tanzania's Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga SC), Kenya's Gor Mahia and Kenya Police FC, Uganda's Vipers SC, Ethiopia's Ethiopian Coffee, Mlandege SC of Zanzibar, Flambeau du Centre of Burundi, Garde Côtes FC of Djibouti, and South Sudan's El Merriekh Bentiu. Sudanese giants Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, who both competed in the recently concluded 2025/26 BK Pro League, are also expected to participate, adding further quality to what is shaping up to be one of the strongest editions of the Kagame Cup in recent years.
