Captain Sylvester Owino will miss tonight’s CECAFA Kagame Cup Group A opener against APR FC at Amahoro Stadium after suffering a slight sprain during training.

Head coach Charles Akonnor confirmed the defender has been ruled out as a precautionary measure, with the medical team opting not to risk aggravating the injury.

“The injury is not bad, but we don’t want to risk playing him. We would rather manage him well so that he recovers fully,” Akonnor said.

Owino, who was appointed captain following Philemon Otieno’s retirement, is expected to return for the subsequent group matches.

In his absence, Frank Odhiambo will partner assistant captain Mike Kibwage in central defence as Gor Mahia seek a winning start to their campaign.

The match kicks off at 8pm Kenyan time at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.