The Kenyan cup winners scored twice before the interval, then watched the Sudanese side — staging their “home” fixture in Rwanda — level after the break. The return is scheduled for Saturday, 12 September in Nairobi. Tusker must now win at home, or score enough to overturn the two away goals they have already conceded.
A 2-2 second leg would take the tie to extra time or penalties. A 1-1 draw would send Al Ahli through on away goals. Tusker need a clean sheet and at least one goal, or a win by any score that keeps them ahead on aggregate.
The collapse will sting. Tusker returned to CAF competition after winning the Mozzart Bet Cup and arrived in Kigali without Siraj Mohammed, who could not be registered because of his parent-club listing with Gor Mahia. Coach Julien Mette still had enough to build a two-goal lead. They could not keep it.
If Tusker progress they are due to meet either Sudan’s Al Ghazala or Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars. Singida won their first leg 7-1. That is a problem for another week. This week’s problem is simpler: two goals given back after the interval.
Sunday was a reminder that a first-leg lead is not a first-leg win. Tusker have the home leg. Al Ahli Madani have the away goals. The tie is alive, and it is no longer in the Brewers’ comfort.