Tusker FC will begin their return to continental football against Sudan’s Al Ahli Madani after the two clubs were paired in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

The fixture was confirmed during the Confederation of African Football (CAF) interclub competitions draw held in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, setting up a two-legged contest that will determine which side advances to the next stage of the tournament.

According to the draw, the first leg will be played between September 4 and 6, while the return leg is scheduled for September 11 to 13.

The tie marks Tusker’s return to Africa’s second-tier club competition after securing Kenya’s slot by winning the 2025/26 Mozzart Bet Cup. The domestic cup triumph earned the Brewers an opportunity to compete on the continental stage for the first time since their previous CAF campaign.

CAF confirmed the fixture during the official draw, with the winner progressing to the second preliminary round, one step away from the group stage of the competition.

Al Ahli Madani are among Sudan’s established football clubs and have previously featured in CAF interclub competitions, making them experienced opponents despite the disruptions Sudanese football has faced in recent years.

For Tusker, the assignment presents an early test of their ambitions to make a deeper run in this season’s Confederation Cup after mixed results in previous continental appearances.

The Kenyan side will be seeking to improve on recent performances by local clubs in CAF competitions, where progression beyond the preliminary rounds has proved challenging. Success over the two-legged tie would move the Brewers closer to securing a place in the competition’s lucrative group stage.

Tusker earned their place in the tournament after lifting the Mozzart Bet Cup, one of Kenya’s premier domestic knockout competitions. The victory not only ended their wait for domestic cup success but also secured the club’s return to continental football.

Speaking after the draw, Tusker acknowledged the challenge awaiting the team while expressing readiness for the assignment.

“We know every CAF match is competitive, and we will prepare thoroughly for the challenge ahead,” the club said following the draw.

Although Al Ahli Madani possess experience in continental football, Tusker will be hoping to capitalize on their own pedigree and recent domestic form as they seek to advance.

The Confederation Cup remains one of Africa’s premier club competitions, bringing together domestic cup winners and high-ranking league finishers from across the continent. Clubs must successfully navigate two preliminary rounds before earning a place in the group stage.

Tusker’s participation also carries significance for Kenyan football, with the Brewers among the country’s representatives tasked with improving Kenya’s standing in CAF interclub competitions.

Preparations are now expected to intensify ahead of the September fixtures as Tusker’s technical bench assesses the Sudanese side and finalizes plans for the opening leg.

The aggregate winner after the two matches will advance to the second preliminary round, while the losing team will exit the competition.