- Mike Kibwage has tipped Gor Mahia to beat Pyramids FC in the first leg of the 2026 CAF Champions League preliminary round.
- Gor Mahia will host the opening leg on Sunday, September 6, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
- Kibwage is among a number of K’Ogalo players set to make their Champions League debut.
Gor Mahia assistant captain Mike Kibwage believes they have done enough in their preparations to secure a positive result when they host Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
The record Kenyan champions welcome Pyramids to Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, September 6, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm East Africa Time.
Kibwage, who was recently handed the assistant captaincy, is among a number of K’Ogalo players set to make their Champions League debut.
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The defender says the occasion is one the players are eagerly anticipating and hopes they can make it a memorable outing.
“It’s a good feeling (making my debut in the CAF Champions League). When you look at the camp, the boys are really motivated because most of us will be making our first appearance.
We want to see what the continental scene looks like, and we are really motivated for Sunday. We want to make it a memorable one,” Kibwage told SportPesa News during a training session at Nyayo Stadium.
Mike Kibwage backs Gor Mahia
The Harambee Stars defender is confident Gor can rise to the occasion against the former African champions, pointing to the team’s recent exposure to high-profile matches as a major boost.
“I think we are ready for Pyramids, and we are already well acquainted with such high-profile matches. We got that experience in big games during CECAFA, and I think it’s just the same thing.
“Since we are at home on Sunday, I know our fans will rally behind the team. They will come and support us in large numbers,” he added.
Gor Mahia have enjoyed a hectic build-up to the new season, featuring in several high-profile friendly matches and competing in the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali, Rwanda.
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The reigning SportPesa League champs, reached the final of the regional tournament before suffering defeat against hosts Rayon Sports.
They also faced Tusker FC in the season curtain-raiser, the Football Kenya Federation Super Cup, but once again came up short.
Despite those setbacks, Kibwage remains optimistic that Gor can turn their recent experiences into a strong showing against Pyramids.
He believes victory, or at least a commanding advantage , at home will be crucial before Gor travel to Egypt for the return leg, where the task is expected to be far tougher.
So, I think for us, it is a must-win match, and it’s a must that we get a favourable result on Sunday so that when we go away, it will be an easier task for us.
The coach has brought unity into the team. Despite having some injuries, he has managed to bring the boys together, and the motivation is already there.
We have young and old players, and he has brought them together with some good bonding. From the training this week, we are expecting very good results,” he reiterated.
The return leg is scheduled for September 13 in Cairo, Egypt, with the aggregate winner advancing to face either El Merreikh Bentiu or Heegan FC.