- Tusker FC were handed a 2-0 loss despite a spirited second-half push and multiple dangerous freekicks from captain Abud Omar.
- Al Hilal’s Kamardini Mamudu was pivotal, breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute with a deflected strike.
- Al Hilal sealed their 2-0 victory in stoppage time thanks to Salim Adams goal.
A memorable day at the Amahoro Stadium saw Al Hilal SC outclass Tusker FC, securing an opening-day victory in the CECAFA Kagame Cup while dealing the Kenyan side an early blow by easing to a 2-0 win on Sunday Afternoon.
After an evenly balanced opening minutes, Al Hilal were the first to knock on the door with a meaningful attempt in the 29th minute.
A left-footed cross by Kamardini Mamudu found Yasir Mozamil unmarked in the box, but his header went just wide of the target.
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The breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute after a sustained Al Hilal onslaught paid dividends.
A powerful shot from Musa Kurdman was initially saved by Tusker goalkeeper Brandon Obiero, but the resultant clearance fell straight into the path of Mamudu, whose deflected shot found the back of the net to break the deadlock.
Tusker responded immediately, with captain Abud Omar’s spectacular freekick missing the post by inches, leaving the match to proceed to the interval with the Brewers a goal down.
Trailing after the restart, Tusker FC emerged with greater urgency in the second half, desperate to find a way back into the tie. They began dictating possession and pushing numbers forward, trying to be the dominant side.
Their best chances came through two well-struck freekicks on target from Abud Omar, but Al Hilal goalkeeper Soufiane Farid stood resolute to deny the Kenyan international.
Al Hilal, however, remained highly dangerous on the counter. Their best effort of the second half came from a powerful, low, left-footed strike by second-half substitute Akire Taiwo, which was spectacularly saved by Obiero to keep Tusker in the game.
The match would ultimately turn on its head in stoppage time. A brilliant move initiated on the right flank by Taiwo saw the West African forward deliver a precise cutback, which was struck perfectly by fellow substitute Salim Adams to double the lead and seal the 2-0 victory.
Tusker FC will shift their focus to their next clash against Rwandan outfit Rayon Sports on Wednesday, while Al Hilal SC will look to maintain their perfect momentum when they take on Zanzibar’s KVZ on the same day with both matches at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Tusker FC VS Al Hilal lineups
Tusker FC: Brandon Obiero (GK), Eugene Ikutwa, Thomas Teka, Abud Omar, Collins Ochieng’,Chrispine Erambo, Yakeen Muteheli, Fabian Adikiny, Stephen Etyang, Ian Simiyu, Victor Mbaoma
Al Hilal SC: Soufiane Farid (GK), Kamardini Mamudu, Ousmane Diouf, Mohamed Erbaia, Musa Kurdman, Salah Adel, Abu Agla Abdalla, Walieldin Khedr, Mohamed Abdelrahman, Yasir Mozamil, Glody Lilepo.
