Pyramids Beat Gor Mahia 2-0 in Nairobi First Leg

NAIROBI, Kenya — Pyramids FC beat Gor Mahia 2-0 in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Walid El Karti scored in the fifth minute. Mahmoud Saber added the second in first-half stoppage time. The Egyptian Premier League side take a two-goal lead and a clean sheet into the return in Cairo.

Gor Mahia, coached by Charles Akonnor, started brightly but were punished twice before half-time. El Karti’s early goal quietened Nyayo. Saber’s strike on the interval left K’Ogalo needing a second-half revival that did not come. Pyramids, under Rulani Mokwena, controlled the remainder.

Pyramids have begun their domestic season strongly and carry recent CAF pedigree, but they are here as Egypt’s representatives in qualifying, not as holders of the African title. Gor Mahia are back in the Champions League after winning the Kenyan league.

The second leg is in Egypt next week. Gor Mahia must score at least twice without reply to force extra time. An away goal would help; two unanswered Pyramids goals make that a tall order.

Sunday’s scoreline is the story. The champion label was not.