Gor Mahia announced their arrival at the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup in ruthless fashion, dismantling Rwandan champions APR FC 5-0 in Kigali to take control of Group A.
It was a masterclass in efficiency from Charles Akonnor’s side, who picked up three points and a healthy dose of revenge. The victory neatly erased memories of their own 5-0 hammering at the hands of the same opponents back in 2009.
Chasing a first regional crown in 41 years, the Kenyan champions were sharper, hungrier, and far more lethal where it mattered.
The early exchanges offered little hint of the eventual scoreline. New signing Paul Okoth missed an early chance for Gor Mahia, failing to keep his shot down after being played in by David Odhiambo, while APR’s William Togui Mel headed just over the bar at the other end.
Gor Mahia goalkeeper Ernan Siluane was also forced into a sharp save to deny Patrick Esombe midway through the half. But the pressure was building, and the breakthrough finally arrived in the 33rd minute.
Mohamed Siraj floated in a corner, and captain Michael Kibwage rose above a static APR defense to power his header home.
Three minutes later, it was two. Esombe collected a loose ball on the edge of the box and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner, leaving Siluane stranded and sent K’Ogalo into the break in full command.
Halt time: Gor Mahia 2-0 APR FC
If APR expected a reprieve in the second half, they were sorely mistaken. Gor Mahia picked up right where they left off, extending their lead just past the hour mark.
Enock Machaka’s threaded pass split the APR backline, allowing Okoth to coolly slide the ball past the advancing keeper for his first competitive goal in Gor Mahia colors.
APR tried to mount a response, but Yunusu Nshimiyimana’s off-target header was about as close as they came against a disciplined Kenyan backline.
Shariff Musa left his marker for dead on the wing before cutting back for Lesley Otieno to finish clinically on the 80th minute.
Substitute Ebenezer Assifuah pounced on a bobbling ball in the six-yard box to seal a stunning five-goal rout on the 88th minute of the game.
The victory puts Gor Mahia top of Group A on goal difference ahead of Uganda’s Vipers SC, who comfortably saw off Garde Républicaine 3-0 earlier in the day thanks to a first-half brace from former Uganda Cranes international Farouk Miya and a third from Abdu Karim Watambala.
Vipers FC celebrate first win in CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali
Action continues on Saturday with Group B kicking off: defending champions Singida Black Stars (Tanzania) take on South Sudan’s Jamus SC, while Rayon Sports FC clash with Sudanese giants Al Hilal.
