Harambee Stars Midfielder Discovers Qualifying Path to Money-Spinning UEFA Champions League

Harambee Stars midfielder Alwyn Tera now knows the first obstacle his team must overcome to pursue a UEFA Champions League group stage spot, following Tuesday's draw for the 2026/27 first qualifying round.

Tera's Armenian club, FC Ararat, will face Latvian side Riga FC in the initial qualifying stage. The winner of the two-legged tie will advance to the next round of Europe's most prestigious club tournament.

This draw marks a significant challenge for Ararat-Armenia as they look to finally qualify for the main stage of a UEFA competition after coming close in previous campaigns. Last season, the club's European journey ended in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.

For Tera, these matches provide another platform to display his skills in European football. The midfielder aims to solidify his career abroad while also hoping to secure a place in head coach Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

If Ararat-Armenia successfully navigates their tie against Riga FC, they could face Irish champions Shamrock Rovers in the second qualifying round. However, Shamrock Rovers must first win their own opening-round match against Floriana from Malta.

The first qualifying round fixtures are set to take place in early July, kicking off the long road for many clubs aspiring to reach the Champions League proper. The tournament final will be held at Atletico Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano.