Gor Mahia learn CAF Champions League dates against Pyramids FC
  • Gor Mahia have learned the official dates for their first preliminary-round clash against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in the 2026 CAF Champions League.
  • K’Ogalo will host the first leg on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, with kick-off set for 3pm.
  • The second leg is scheduled for September 13 in Cairo, Egypt.

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia have learned the official dates when they will face Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in the first preliminary round of the 2026 CAF Champions League.

The SportPesa League reigning champions will host the first leg on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, with kick-off set for 3pm.

They will then aim to book their second-round ticket when they wrap up the tie with the second leg away in Egypt on September 13.

Pyramids FC are expected to arrive in Nairobi on Thursday, September 3, to prepare for the encounter.

ALSO READ: Gor Mahia’s CAF Champions League dream faces early test as Pyramids FC await

Is Gor Mahia well-prepared to take on Pyramids? Here’s a quick rundown of what they have been up to in the offseason

It will be a tough test for the 22-time SportPesa League record champions, who are making their return to the continental stage after reclaiming the local league silverware last season.

As much as K’Ogalo have been busy during the summer break ahead of the new season, making major signings and participating in high-profile off-season matches, there is still work to be done.

They flew out of the country for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, where they enjoyed a good run to reach the final, only to suffer a 2-1 extra-time defeat to hosts Rayon Sports.

ALSO READ: Gor Mahia’s 41-year wait goes on after agonising Kagame Cup final defeat to Rayon Sports

The following day, despite the disappointment of missing out on the silverware, they also tested their mettle against Al Merrikh before jetting back into the country.

They then featured in the Green Legacy Cup at Nyayo Stadium, beating Migori Youth on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

As the League champions, Gor also featured in the season curtain-raiser on Sunday, August 23, in the Football Kenya Federation Super Cup at Nyayo Stadium, where they were stunned 3-1 by Tusker FC.

That result has given Akonnor a reality check as he prepares to face the 2024/25 Champions League winners.

It is also why the club were particularly busy during the off-season, bolstering their squad to ensure they are ready to take on the continental heavyweights.

They have brought in top-tier reinforcements to supercharge their squad for the CAF Champions League, securing a massive haul of new signings.

Head coach Charles Akonnor raided local and continental rivals, bringing in powerhouse Ugandan striker Denis Omedi from APR FC, alongside lethal attackers David Okoth and Paul Okoth to sharpen the frontline.

The midfield received a serious engine upgrade with Ghanaian anchor Ebenezer Ocran and Nairobi United’s standout duo, Enock Machaka and Lesley Otieno.

ALSO READ: Gor Mahia submit strong 29-man squad to face Pyramids in the CAF Champions League

Defensively, K’Ogalo secured elite Kenyan right-back Daniel Sakari, and Portipher Odhiambo, while completely reshaping their goalkeeping department with the blockbuster signing of Humphrey Katasi from AFC Leopards, alongside Michael Onyango and Hansel Ochieng to round out a fiercely ambitious squad.

This is to ensure they have sufficient squad depth, especially considering they have also been hit by a brutal early-season injury crisis, leaving Akonnor without five key first-team players just days before the Pyramids FC clash.

The midfield suffered a massive blow during the recent Super Cup defeat, with veteran Lawrence Juma ruled out for at least four weeks after fracturing his forearm.

In defence, newly appointed club captain Sylvester Owino is sidelined for two months with a severe calf sprain, forcing a major reorganisation of the backline.

The attacking department is equally depleted. Winger Samuel Kapen faces up to a year out after suffering a horrific ACL tear during the Kagame Cup, while forward Patrick Essombe is sidelined for two months with a torn ligament, and striker Felix Oluoch remains out indefinitely following major knee surgery.

They reached the second preliminary round of the 2024-2025 competition before being eliminated by Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

Meanwhile, Pyramids FC arrive in Nairobi as CAF Champions League heavyweights under new boss Rulani Mokwena.

ALSO READ: Pyramids beat Sundowns to win first-ever CAF Champions League title

Ahmed Samy of Pyramids celebrates victory lifts the trophy, Mohamed Chibi (c) after a CAF Champions League 2024/25 2nd Leg Final match against Mamelodi Sundowns at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 1 June 2025 ©Gavin BarkerBackpagePix

They come in red-hot form after a 3-0 domestic league win over Ghazl El Mahalla, having also enjoyed an elite pre-season camp in Turkey.

Key dangermen include $2 million-rated Algerian striker Nadhir Benbouali, Jordanian forward Odeh Al-Fakhouri, Moroccan full-back Mohamed Chibi, and veteran goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy.

The winner will face either El Merreikh Bentiu or Heegan FC in the next round.

Gor Mahia vs Pyramids FC CAF Champions League first preliminary round fixtures, venue and kick-off times

  • First leg – Saturday, September 5: Gor Mahia vs Pyramids FC – Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi – 3pm EAT
  • Second leg – Sunday, September 13: Pyramids FC vs Gor Mahia – Cairo, Egypt – 6pm EAT

By Magiri Brian

Brian Magiri is a passionate sports journalist and all-around sports enthusiast. He loves diving into the worlds of football, rugby, basketball, tennis, and Formula 1, bringing stories to life with energy and insight. For Brian, anything exciting happening in sports is worth exploring and sharing.

One thought on “Gor Mahia learn CAF Champions League official dates against Pyramids FC”

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Kenya's sports news, betting and casino updates | SportPesa Kenya blog

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading