CAF Champions League: Gor Mahia fall to Pyramids FC
By Luke Oluoch, September 6, 2026Gor Mahia’s return to the Confederation of African Football stage kicked off on a bad footing following a 2-0 defeat to Pyramids FC in the preliminary qualifying rounds of the Champions League tie at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Goals from Walid El Karti and Mohamed Saber sealed a crucial first-leg victory for the Egyptian outfit, who are now in a strong position and seeking to avoid defeat in the return leg to advance to the next round of continental fixtures.
Uphill task for Gor
The win marks a huge step for the fast-rising Egyptian top-tier club’s quest among Africa’s elite, having already clinched CAF Champions League glory in the 2024/25 season.
The two sides will now shift focus to the second leg of the first preliminary round encounter in Egypt, with Gor Mahia having their hands full to reverse the two-goal deficit on away soil. Charles Akonnor’s side could make the best of the domestic league postponement, which affords them an extended break and more time to prepare for the clash.
The hosts did have a bright start and almost took the lead after Ebenezer Assifuah startled the visitors with a shot that was cleared off the line in the opening minute. However, the dramatic start was completed at the other end as Rhulani Mokwena’s charges hit the front.
Akonnor opted for a tactical change, bringing on Harambee Stars midfielder Stanley Omondi as halftime approached.
But the visitors struck again on the stroke of halftime with Saber’s brilliant rocket shot from outside the box. The Egyptian international picked up a cushioned pass to rifle an unstoppable shot past Byrne Omondi for the second goal.
Needing a response, Gor brought on the pair of Paul Okoth and David Okoth in a twin attacking change, but proceedings remained tough against the astute and defensively disciplined visitors.
The subsequent exchange saw the visitors maintain a solid defensive shape to kick off their continental campaign on a winning start. Meanwhile, the Kenyan champions now face a demanding task in the return leg in Cairo, Egypt, when the two meet again.
The two teams meet again on Sunday, September 13, for the return leg at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo