Gossage Cup: East Africa’s First Football Legacy
KAMPALA – The Gossage Cup occupies a special place in East African football history as the region’s earliest international football competition, beginning in 1926 and running until 1966.
Named after its sponsor; the soap manufacturing company associated with William Gossage & Sons, the Cup became a hallmark of regional football rivalry and development in East Africa.
Historic Beginnings
The inaugural tournament was played in May 1926, contested by Kenya and Uganda. The first match in Nairobi ended in a draw, and Kenya emerged winner after a replay.
Originally a two-nation affair, the competition expanded after World War II. Tanganyika (now part of Tanzania) joined in the mid-1940s, followed by Zanzibar in 1949, making it a four-nation contest.
Uganda’s Football Footprint
Throughout its 37 editions under the Gossage Cup name, Uganda emerged as the most successful side, winning the title more than any other nation. Historic match records show multiple titles for the Cranes, including emphatic victories, such as a notable 13-1 win over Kenya in 1932, still remembered in regional football lore.
Kenya and Tanganyika (Tanzania) also enjoyed success at various points, reflecting the competitive nature of the tournament. Zanzibar competed with pride but never lifted the Cup before it was renamed.
Growth and Challenges
Over the years, the Gossage Cup exemplified both sporting excellence and logistical challenges. As travel and costs increased in the 1950s, federations contended with expenses associated with trips between Nairobi, Kampala and Dar es Salaam. Governments and associations worked together to support teams’ participation.
The tournament also experienced interruptions, such as during the Second World War, when football activities were scaled back across the region.
Transition to CECAFA
The final edition of the tournament under the Gossage Cup name was held in 1966, after which it was rebranded. The competition evolved into the East and Central African Senior Challenge Cup and later became the CECAFA Cup; the oldest regional tournament in African football, continuing the legacy that began with the first Gossage Cup nearly a century ago.
Gossage Cup Timeline & Winners Overview
1926 – Birth of Regional Football
The inaugural Gossage Cup is played between Uganda and Kenya in Nairobi. Kenya win the first title after a replay, marking the start of organised international football in East Africa.
1930s – Uganda Emerges as a Powerhouse
Uganda establish early dominance, including the tournament’s most emphatic result; a 13–1 victory over Kenya in 1932, still one of the heaviest defeats in regional football history.
1939–1945 – Wartime Suspension
The competition is halted during the Second World War, reflecting the wider disruption of sport and travel across the region.
1947–1949 – Expansion Era
The tournament expands beyond Kenya and Uganda. Tanganyika (Tanzania) joins, followed by Zanzibar, transforming the Gossage Cup into a true multi-nation regional championship.
1950s – Rising Costs and Government Support
As travel increases between Kampala, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, football associations face financial strain. The Uganda Government intervenes with funding support to ensure continued participation.
1962 – Nakivubo Controversy
Uganda host the tournament at Nakivubo Stadium and defeat Zanzibar 8–0 under coach Jolly Joe Kiwanuka. Despite retaining the Cup, FUFA officials withdraw the team amid concerns over club dominance in national selection.
1966 – Final Gossage Cup
The last tournament is held under the Gossage Cup name, closing a 40-year chapter in East African football history.
1967 – Birth of CECAFA
The competition is rebranded as the East and Central Africa Senior Challenge Cup, later known as the CECAFA Challenge Cup, carrying forward the Gossage Cup legacy.
Gossage Cup Titles by Nation (1926–1966)
Nation Titles Won Uganda 22 Kenya 10 Tanganyika (Tanzania) 4 Zanzibar 0
Total Editions Played: 36
Most Successful Nation: Uganda (The Cranes)
Why This History Matters
The Gossage Cup was more than a tournament; it was the foundation of regional football solidarity, shaping generations of players and administrators and laying the groundwork for modern competitions like CECAFA and AFCON qualifiers.
For more on East Africa’s football heritage and the Cranes’ role in regional solidarity, Search FFI Historical Series and explore our archive of historic competitions.