APR seek strong start against Gor Mahia in Kagame Cup
Friday, July 24, 2026
APR FC players train at Amahoro training pitch ahead of a match that will officially open the tournament on Friday at Amahoro Stadium. Photo by Craish BAHIZI

Friday

Group A, Matchday one

- Vipers SC vs Garde Républicaine at Amahoro Stadium (3:00 p.m.)

- APR FC vs Gor Mahia FC at Amahoro Stadium (7:00 p.m.)

APR FC will open their 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign against Kenya's Gor Mahia at Amahoro Stadium on Friday evening.

The Group A fixture, scheduled for 7 p.m., will follow the opening match between Uganda's Vipers SC and Djibouti's Garde Républicaine at 3 p.m.

Ahead of the game, APR’s head coach Abderrahim Taleb said he is encouraged by the progress the team has made during its two-week pre-season.

"The boys have worked very hard and shown great attitude and commitment," he said.

Taleb is also expected to use the tournament to assess his squad and integrate new signings ahead of the competitive season.

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor said his side has analysed both its own performances and APR ahead of the opening match.

"We know where we need to improve. We watched our previous match and also analysed our opponents. That gives us a fair idea of how they operate," he said.

"This tournament is very important because it helps us evaluate our players, understand their strengths and see how they can improve the team,” he added.

APR have won three of their five competitive meetings with Gor Mahia. The Kenyan club has one win, while one match ended in a draw.

The two sides are joined in Group A by Vipers SC and Garde Républicaine. The tournament features 22 matches, including 18 group-stage games, two semi-finals, a third-place playoff and the final.