APR FC brought drama to the CECAFA Kagame Cup Group A finale after defeating Vipers SC 2-1 at Amahoro Stadium on Thursday night, a result that reshaped the group standings and sent Gor Mahia into the semifinals.
The Rwandan champions produced a determined performance in front of an empty stadia Amahoro Stadium, punishing defensive mistakes from a Vipers side that struggled to maintain the rhythm that had carried them through the earlier stages of the tournament.
APR took control of the match in the 19th minute after Vipers goalkeeper Denis Kigundu’s attempted pass fell into the path of the hosts. Mamadou Traore reacted quickly to convert the opportunity and give APR the lead.
The goal unsettled the Ugandan side, who struggled to build attacking momentum as APR pressed high and disrupted their passing game.
Vipers, however, responded before the break. Gusto Mulongo restored parity in the 38th minute with a powerful low finish after receiving a well-timed pass from Joel Sserunjogi.
The visitors nearly completed the turnaround before halftime, but Mulongo’s effort went just over the bar.
APR regained the advantage shortly after the hour mark when captain Ouattara Djbril rose highest to meet a cross with a diving header at the near post, catching the Vipers defence off guard.
The Ugandan side pushed for another equaliser but their chances were limited after defender Bady Kevin was dismissed late in the match after receiving a second yellow card.
The victory gave APR three valuable points, but their qualification hopes depended on other results in the group.
At Kigali Pelé Stadium, Gor Mahia secured a 1-0 victory over Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine to finish their group campaign strongly.
The Kenyan champions needed only four minutes to find the breakthrough. Patrick Essombe created danger down the right before his cross was poorly handled by goalkeeper Liban Mohamed Said, allowing Paul Okoth to score from close range.
Gor Mahia maintained pressure but were forced to deal with setbacks, including injuries and a second-half red card for midfielder Alpha Onyango.
Despite playing with ten men, the Kenyan side defended their narrow lead to claim maximum points.
The results left Gor Mahia at the top of Group A, while Vipers finished second. APR, despite their victory over the Ugandan side, exited the competition after finishing third on goal difference.
Vipers will now wait for the completion of the remaining group matches to discover whether their points tally and goal difference are enough to earn a place in the semifinals.
