Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC have been officially eliminated from the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, bringing an early end to a campaign that promised much but delivered little.

The Msimbazi giants have collected just two points from their opening two matches, leaving them with no mathematical chance of reaching the semi-finals.

Although Simba still have one group-stage match remaining against domestic rivals Singida Black Stars, even a victory would take them to five points—no longer enough to secure a place in the last four.

With Al Hilal and Rayon Sports already sitting on six points, Simba can no longer finish among the teams advancing to the semi-finals, sealing a shock early exit for one of the tournament favourites.

The club will now turn its attention to Simba Day on August 8, when they are scheduled to face Tusker FC at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Tusker also eliminated

Tusker FC have also been knocked out of the Kagame Cup after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Rayon Sports.

The Kenyan side needed at least a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive, but Rayon’s victory confirmed their elimination with one group-stage match still to play.

Several clubs have now seen their semi-final hopes extinguished as the race for the last four intensifies.

Mogadishu City Club, Garde Républicaine, KVZ FC, Tusker FC and Simba SC have all been eliminated from the competition.