Tusker FC will begin their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Sudanese side Al Ahli Madani on Saturday, with coach Julien Mette confident his revamped squad is ready for the demands of continental football.
The first leg will be played in Sudan, with the return match scheduled for September 12 as Tusker begin their first CAF Confederation Cup campaign in four years.
Tusker earned their continental place after defeating Kenya Police 2-1 in the FKF Cup final in June, ending a 10-year wait for a major domestic cup trophy.
The Brewers head into the tie with added confidence after defeating reigning FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia 3-1 in the FKF Super Cup on August 23.
Francis Oduor, Eugene Ikutwa and Ian Simiyu scored for Tusker in a performance that gave Mette’s side another boost ahead of its African assignment.
Mette believes the team’s pre-season preparations have provided the players with the physical and tactical foundation required for continental competition.
The coach has also emphasised the need to build a squad capable of competing beyond the opening rounds.
The tie represents an important return to continental football for Tusker, who have been absent from CAF competition since the 2021/22 campaign.
Their current Confederation Cup appearance comes after years of rebuilding and follows their successful FKF Cup run last season.
The Brewers will nevertheless face a demanding test against Al Ahli Madani, particularly with the opening match being played away from home.
Tusker’s preparations have included competitive matches against some of the region’s strongest sides.
Their participation in the CECAFA Kagame Cup exposed the squad to continental opposition, although the campaign ended early after defeats to Sudanese giants Al Hilal and Rwanda’s Rayon Sports.
Those setbacks, however, provided Mette with an opportunity to assess his players against stronger opposition before the CAF assignment.
The coach will now hope the confidence gained from the Super Cup victory can carry into Sudan, where a positive first-leg result would give Tusker an advantage ahead of the return match in Kenya.
For the Brewers, the objective is bigger than simply surviving the preliminary round.
The club wants to establish itself again on the continental stage, and the two-legged encounter with Al Ahli Madani will provide the first test of whether Mette’s rebuilt side is ready for that challenge
