Gor Mahia face Al Hilal while Rayon Sport battle Jamus in the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup semi-finals as Uganda’s Vipers reflect on an early exit. 

The 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup reaches its business end on Tuesday, August 4, with two blockbuster semi-finals that could reshape East African football history. Former champions Gor Mahia and Rayon Sport are chasing long-awaited returns to the final, while Al Hilal and Jamus FC are determined to write new chapters for Sudan and South Sudan respectively. The tournament, hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, has also served as preparation for clubs heading into the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions.

CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026 Semi-Final Fixtures

• Gor Mahia (Kenya) vs Al Hilal (Sudan) – 4:00 PM EAT
• Rayon Sport (Rwanda) vs Jamus FC (South Sudan) – 8:00 PM EAT

Uganda’s Campaign Ends Early After Vipers Exit

For Ugandan football fans, this year’s Kagame Cup has ended in disappointment.

Vipers SC, one of the tournament favourites after winning the Uganda Premier League, failed to progress beyond the group stage despite making a promising start to the competition. Their elimination means Uganda will once again miss out on the semi-finals as neighbouring Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan and South Sudan battle for regional supremacy.

Uganda nevertheless remains one of the competition’s traditional powerhouses.

Over the years, clubs such as SC Villa, Express FC, KCCA FC, URA FC, and more recently Vipers SC, have consistently represented the country in East Africa’s biggest club tournament. SC Villa remain among the competition’s most successful sides historically, while Express also lifted the regional crown during their golden era.

Rayon Sport Chasing First Final Since 1998

Rayon Sport have waited 28 years for another shot at Kagame Cup glory.

The Rwandan giants became the first club from Rwanda to lift the trophy after defeating Mlandege in the 1998 final, but have not returned to the title match since then.

Their closest attempt came in 2013, when they reached the semi-finals before losing to Sudan’s Al Merrikh.

Captain Emmanuel Nshimiyimana says the current squad is determined to restore the club’s legacy.

“Our objective is to rewrite history. Most of us were not even born when Rayon won this trophy, and we want to bring it back for Rwanda.”

A victory over Jamus would secure Rayon Sport’s first Kagame Cup final appearance in nearly three decades.

Jamus Close to South Sudan Football History

Few expected Jamus FC to reach the last four.

The South Sudan champions have become one of the stories of the tournament after producing impressive performances, including a memorable victory over defending champions Singida Black Stars during the group stage.

Should they reach the final or even lift the trophy, they would become the first South Sudanese club ever to achieve the feat.

Gor Mahia Seeking First Kagame Cup Since 1985

Few clubs command as much respect in East African football as Gor Mahia.

The Kenyan giants have won the Kagame Cup three times:

• 1980
• 1981
• 1985

Yet despite their rich tradition, Gor Mahia have not lifted the regional trophy in over four decades.

Their last appearance in the final came in 2015, when they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Tanzania’s Azam FC.

This year’s semi-final offers another opportunity to restore their regional dominance.

Al Hilal Target Redemption

Sudanese powerhouse Al Hilal has unfinished business.

The club reached the 2025 Kagame Cup final, only to lose to Singida Black Stars, and now return with hopes of finally capturing a title that has long eluded them.

Al Hilal also boast one of Africa’s strongest continental pedigrees through their regular CAF Champions League appearances, making them one of the favourites to lift this year’s trophy.

Head-to-Head

Gor Mahia vs Al Hilal

Although meetings between the two clubs have been limited, this fixture pairs two of East Africa’s biggest names.

Gor Mahia

• Three Kagame Cup titles
• Last final in 2015

Al Hilal

• Kagame Cup runners-up in 2025
• Multiple Sudan Premier League titles
• Regular CAF Champions League campaigners

Head-to-head prediction: Expect a tactical contest with Al Hilal’s continental experience giving them a slight edge.

Rayon Sport vs Jamus

The clubs have little competitive history.

Rayon Sport possess far greater regional experience, while Jamus have relied on fearless attacking football throughout the tournament.

Experience favours the Rwandans, but Jamus have already shown they can upset established clubs.

Predictions

Gor Mahia vs Al Hilal

Prediction: Al Hilal 2-1 Gor Mahia

Rayon Sport vs Jamus

Prediction: Rayon Sport 2-0 Jamus

Courtesy picture (CECAFA Football)

Bangabet Uganda Prediction Hub

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Final Verdict

With Uganda’s Vipers already eliminated, attention now shifts to four clubs carrying the hopes of their respective nations. Gor Mahia are chasing a first CECAFA Kagame Cup title since 1985, Rayon Sport are hoping to return to the summit after 28 years, Al Hilal want redemption following last year’s final defeat, while Jamus are just 90 minutes away from making South Sudanese football history. Whatever the outcome, Tuesday’s semi-finals promise high-quality East African football and could produce one of the most memorable Kagame Cup finals in recent years.