Kenya Premier League reigning champions Gor Mahia FC have qualified for the semi-final stage at the on-going CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026.
The 10-man Gor Mahia FC side edged Garde Republicaine FC (Djibouti) 1-0 in their last Group A match played on Thursday to seal their top spot after Vipers SC suffered a 2-1 defeat to APR FC.
Paul Okoth netted the lone goal for Gor Mahia FC after only 4 minutes. The Kenya side continued to dominate play at the Kigali Pele Stadium, but Garde Republicaine defended in numbers.
Gor Mahia FC’s Alpha Chris Onyango was later sent-off after 69 minutes. Charles Kwablan Akonnor, the Gor Mahia coach praised his players for getting the job done and qualifying for the knock out stage of the tournament.
“We have managed two wins against APR FC and Garde Republicaine and lost to Vipers SC. But besides this being a good pre-season for us, we have also achieved one o the targets which is getting to the later stages of the tournament,” added Akonnor.
While Gor Mahia FC who are chasing a fourth CECAFA Kagame Cup title finished top of Group A with 6 points and a goal difference of five goals, Vipers SC who have the same number of points and a goal difference of three goals will have to wait after all other matches are complete to determine if they make it to the semi-finals.
APR FC netted through Mamadou Traore and Djibril Quattara, while Gusto Mulongo scored for the Ugandan League giants Vipers SC. Congolese defender Kevin Dasylva Bady was sent off later in the second half for Vipers SC. APR FC bowed out of the tournament despite finishing with 6 points and a lower goal diffrence.
Action continues on Friday with 2025 winners Singida Black Stars FC facing Simba SC in an all Tanzanian affair at the Amahoro Stadium, while Group B table leaders Jamus SC take on Mogadishu City Club at the Kigali Pele Stadium.
Gor Mahia FC will now wait to face the top team in Group C, while the leading team in Group B will face the Best second placed team. The winners will walk away with US$30,000, the runners-up US20,000, while the third placed team collects US$10,000.
