Vipers SC tightened their grip on Group A at the CECAFA Kagame Cup with a dramatic 1–0 victory over Gor Mahia FC, courtesy of a stoppage-time header from Gusto Mulongo at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday.
The Ugandan champions, dominant for large spells against the Kenya Premier League titleholders, were forced to wait until added time to convert superiority into points.
The decisive moment arrived when Ashraf Mandela’s clever delivery unsettled the Gor Mahia defence, allowing substitute Mulongo to rise and nod past goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi Simiyu.
The result marks a second consecutive win for Vipers, placing them firmly on the cusp of semi-final qualification with six points from two matches.
Gor Mahia remain second on three points, edging APR FC on goal difference.
Vipers head coach Denis Lavagne expressed satisfaction with both the performance and outcome, noting the significance of the late breakthrough.
He emphasised that while the goal arrived deep into stoppage time, the victory positions his side favourably ahead of their final group fixture against APR FC.
Elsewhere in Group A, APR FC strengthened their campaign with a 3–1 win over Garde Républicaine.
Captain Quattara Djibril struck twice, with Mamadou Traore also finding the net in a commanding first-half display, before Maarouf Abass pulled one back late for the Djiboutian side.
Attention now shifts to Group B action at the same venue, where Mogadishu City Club face Singida Black Stars FC, while leaders Jamus SC meet Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
