Football excitement is mounting across the region as the prestigious Kagame Cup 2025 draws closer, with top clubs from East and Central Africa confirming their participation in the annual tournament.
Organized under the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), the Kagame Cup continues to serve as a platform for regional rivalry, talent showcase, and club football development.
Twelve teams are expected to battle it out for the coveted title, including defending champions and perennial contenders. The lineup features a strong mix of champions and fan favorites:
Vipers SC (Uganda)
El Merriekh SC Bentiu (South Sudan)
Mlandege SC (Zanzibar)
Al Hilal (Sudan)
Kenya Police FC (Kenya)
Ethiopia Insurance (Ethiopia)
MCC FC (Somalia)
APR FC (Rwanda)
Aigle Noir FC (Burundi)
Young Africans SC and Simba SC (Tanzania)
ASAS Djibouti Telecom (Djibouti)
Rwanda’s own APR FC is expected to represent the host nation with pride, hoping to reclaim regional dominance on home turf. The presence of Tanzanian giants Yanga SC and Simba SC, alongside Uganda’s Vipers and Sudan’s Al Hilal, is already setting the stage for fierce competition.
While the dates and host venues are yet to be officially announced, CECAFA officials have hinted at a well-structured tournament that promises top-tier football action and regional unity.
The Kagame Cup, named after Rwandan President Paul Kagame—one of the tournament’s major sponsors—has grown to become a key fixture in the regional football calendar since its inception. With each edition, the tournament not only strengthens footballing ties but also promotes cross-border friendship and sports diplomacy.
Rwd Arrows, representing Zambia. clinched the 2024 title —their first-ever Kagame Cup victory—in a dramatic final after defeating APR FC in a nail‑biting penalty shootout, following a 1–1 draw through 120 minutes. The match took place at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
