KIGALI, July 2026– Gor Mahia got their CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign off to a flying start after thrashing hosts APR Rwanda 5-0 in their Group A opening match at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
The match, watched by an enthusiastic crowd that included President Paul Kagame, saw K’Ogalo take control early with Michael Kibwage opening the scoring in the 33rd minute before Patrick Essombe doubled the lead two minutes later with a stunning strike to send Gor Mahia into the break 2-0 up.
After the interval, the Charles Akonnor-tutored side continued to dominate with slick passing and fast-paced attacks. Their pressure paid off with three more goals.
Paul Odhiambo made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute, Lesley Otieno added the fourth in the 79th, and Assifuah Ebenezer completed the rout in the 85th minute.
In the other Group A fixture, Uganda’s Vipers SC beat Djibouti’s Garde Republicaine 3-0 to sit second in the group behind Gor Mahia on goal difference.
The 15-day regional tournament has brought together 12 top clubs from 9 countries, offering teams vital preparation ahead of upcoming CAF competitions.
Singida Black Stars FC, Jamus SC, Simba SC, and Mogadishu City Club FC are placed in Group B, while Group C consists of Al Hilal SC, Rayon Sports FC, Tusker FC, and KVZ SC.
The tournament returns to Rwanda for the first time since 2019, when Uganda’s KCCA FC beat Sudan’s Al Merriekh SC in the final.
President Kagame, a long-time backer of regional football, has sponsored the CECAFA Kagame Cup since 2002. He reiterated his continued commitment to championinv initiatives aimed at developing football across Africa, nurturing young talent and creating opportunities for the next generation.
The winners on August 7th will take home US$30,000 (Sh3,886,200), with US$20,000 (Sh2,590,800) for runners-up and US$10,000(Sh1,295,400) for third place.
