- Gor Mahia dismantle APR Rwanda 5-0 to kick off their 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign on a high note.
- The Group A opener was played on Friday at Amahoro Stadium.
- Gor Mahia will now turn their attention to Monday, July 27, when they face Vipers SC.
Gor Mahia’s new signings Paul Okoth and Lesly Otieno scored their debut goals as they inspired the SportPesa League reigning champions to a comfortable 5-0 thumping of APR of Rwanda, kicking off their 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign on a high note on Friday evening.
Placed in a highly competitive Group A alongside also Ugandan heavyweights Vipers SC and Djiboutian outfit FC Garde Republicaine, Gor needed nothing less than a strong statement as one of the tournament favorites.
With a hunger to end their 41-year wait for the East and Central African title in the tournament’s first return to Rwanda in seven years, K’Ogalo lived up to expectations with an emphatic victory over the hosts at a vibrant Amahoro Stadium.
Ironically, Gor, who had lost to Rayon Sports in their opening preseason match, enjoyed support from Rayon fans, who cheered them on because APR are their domestic rivals.
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Gor Mahia dismantle APR 5-0 at 2026 Kagame Cup opener
After both sides played out a cagey opening half hour, the Charles Akonnor charges broke the deadlock three minutes later through captain Mike Kibwage’s towering header.
The goal came from a corner on the right after Siraj Mohammed, back in the team following his loan spell at KCB last season, whipped in a dangerous inswinger.
The ball caused a scramble inside the box, and although APR attempted to clear, Kibwage was well positioned at the far post to head home and hand his side the lead.
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Two minutes later, matters went from bad to worse for the hosts after they lost possession in their own half.
Patrick Esombe pounced on the loose ball, drove towards goal, and unleashed a thunderous strike from about 25 yards that flew past goalkeeper Hernan Siluane, giving Gor a comfortable advantage heading into the break.
The second half was once again dominated by K’Ogalo, who dictated proceedings throughout.
Their persistence paid off three minutes after the hour mark when Okoth, the new acquisition from Ulinzi Stars, grabbed his first goal for the club.
Having earlier seen a clear chance tipped over the bar, the midfielder made no mistake this time as Bryton Onyona burst down the left before delivering a low cross into the area. Okoth was perfectly positioned to calmly slot the ball into the net for Gor’s third of the night.
It turned into a memorable evening for Gor Mahia as they continued to exploit APR’s defensive frailties.
They added a fourth through Otieno after Ebenezer Ocran picked out Shariff Musa on the left.
Musa twice wrong-footed his marker before cutting the ball back for Otieno, who finished with his left foot from close range to score on his debut after coming off the bench.
Six minutes later, Ebenezer Assifuah, also introduced from the bench, wrapped up the emphatic victory with Gor Mahia’s fifth goal to complete the dismantling of the hosts.
They will now turn their attention to Monday, July 27, when they face Vipers SC before wrapping up their Group A campaign against FC Garde Republicaine on Thursday, July 30.