Gor Mahia soak in last-gasp goal to lose against Vipers in CECAFA Kagame Cup

Gor Mahia suffered their first defeat of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup after a dramatic 1-0 loss to Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC, with substitute Gusto Mulongo striking deep into stoppage time to settle a fiercely contested Group A encounter at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

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Having both opened their campaigns with victories, the East African heavyweights entered the clash knowing another win would put one foot in the semi-finals.

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However, it was Vipers who emerged victorious thanks to Mulongo's late intervention, moving to the top of Group A with a perfect six points.

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor made nine changes from the side that defeated APR FC in their opening fixture, with goalkeeper Humphrey Kastasi making his competitive debut for the Kenyan giants as K'Ogalo looked to register back-to-back victories.

The match burst into life from the opening whistle, with both sides displaying attacking intent.

Gor Mahia carved out the first meaningful chance in the 10th minute when Hansel Ochieng found space after being released by Paul Ochuoga, but the former AFC Leopards winger lifted his effort just over the crossbar.

Vipers responded five minutes later through experienced forward Farouk Miya, whose powerful strike from outside the area narrowly missed the target.

The Ugandan champions continued to pile on the pressure and almost broke the deadlock in the 20th minute.

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Rodgers Torach delivered an inviting cross for striker Paul Mboowa, but his header sailed inches over the bar.

K'Ogalo then threatened through Ghanaian attacker Ebenezer Adukwaw after Lawrence Juma's defence-splitting pass sent him racing clear. However, with only the goalkeeper to beat, the forward fired wastefully over the bar.

Vipers remained dangerous going forward and nearly found the breakthrough ten minutes before halftime.

Miya expertly controlled Milton Karisa's pass before driving into the area, only for debutant Kastasi to rush off his line and make a brave one-on-one save.

Gor Mahia almost punished Vipers moments later when Ben Stanley reacted quickest to a loose ball outside the area, but the Harambee Stars midfielder's ambitious long-range effort flashed narrowly wide.

The Ugandans created one final opportunity before the interval through Yunus Sentamu, who combined neatly with Nicholas Ogwang before sending a low effort wide from distance as the two sides headed into the halftime break locked at 0-0.

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The second half resumed at the same high intensity, with neither side willing to settle for a point.

Gor Mahia came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute when Frank Odhiambo rose highest to meet Ben Stanley's inviting delivery.

The towering defender powered his header goalwards but failed to keep it on target, wasting a glorious opportunity.

Sensing the need for fresh energy, Gor Mahia introduced Sharif Musa, Lesley Otieno and Paul Okoth just after the hour mark in place of George Amonno, Hansel Ochieng and Ebenezer Adukwaw.

The substitutions immediately injected pace into K'Ogalo's attack.

Sharif Musa almost made an instant impact with 20 minutes remaining after weaving past several defenders before curling an effort narrowly wide of the far post with the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

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Vipers responded almost immediately through substitute Karim Watambala. Latching onto a teasing cross from fellow substitute Gusto Mulongo, Watambala's first-time effort drifted agonisingly wide.

At the other end, Lesley Otieno also came close for Gor Mahia, forcing space outside the box before sending a powerful effort inches off target as the contest appeared destined to end in a goalless stalemate.

But just when the points looked set to be shared, Vipers produced the decisive moment.

Deep into stoppage time, Ashraf Mandela delivered a dangerous low cross into the penalty area where substitute Gusto Mulongo timed his run to perfection before calmly slotting home from close range, sparking wild celebrations among the Ugandan side.

The heartbreaking defeat leaves Gor Mahia with three points from two matches, while Vipers take full control of Group A with six points from as many available.

K'Ogalo will now shift their focus to their final group fixture against Djibouti's FC Garde Républicaine, where victory could still secure a place in the semi-finals, depending on the outcome of the remaining group matches.

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The late winner for Vipers puts them firmly in command of the group and within touching distance of a place in the last four.