Ahead of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup draw, Sudan’s Al Merriekh has withdrawn from the tournament.
Al Merriekh featuring in the Rwanda BK Pro League has decided to concentrate on specialized training instead of playing a competition.
“Al Merriekh has confirmed its withdrawal from the 2026 Cecafa Kagame Cup after the senior team’s coaching staff requested a specialized training camp to prepare for the new season,” read a statement as quoted by the Times of Rwanda.
“Following an assessment of the team’s needs, management decided that a focused training program would provide the best possible solution for both domestic and continental competitions.”
Tusker FC of Kenya is expected to replace the Sudan giants in the draw.
The draw will be held in Kigali on Friday July 10 with the tournament set to take place starting July 24 until August 7 in Rwanda.
Former Rwanda international Haruna Niyonzima will assist the draw with four teams in a group of three.
The top team in each group will advance to the semi-final and joined by the best second placed team.
Teams confirmed as far
Vipers (Uganda), Gor Mahia (Kenya), Simba (Tanzania), Mogadishu City FC (Somalia), Jamus (South Sudan), FC Garde Republicaine (Djibouti), KVZ FC (Zanzibar), APR & Rayon Sport (Rwanda), Al Hilal (Sudan) and Tusker (Kenya).
