Vipers SC suffered a 2-1 defeat to APR FC in a high-intensity CECAFA Kagame Cup Group A encounter at Amahoro Stadium, Kigali on Thursday evening, a result that dents their grip on top spot.
The Venoms’ evening unravelled through a mix of defensive lapses and disrupted cohesion, largely triggered by tactical changes that unsettled their usual rhythm.
APR, buoyed by home support, seized control of key moments to claim a decisive victory.
APR drew first blood in the 19th minute when Mamadou Traore capitalised on a costly error from goalkeeper Denis Kigundu, whose misplaced pass gifted possession to the hosts.
The Rwandan champions needed no second invitation, punishing Vipers to take the lead.
Vipers struggled to recover composure after conceding, often rushing their build-up play and failing to string together meaningful possession phases.
APR nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, but Dao Memel failed to convert Gilbert Byiringiro’s inviting delivery despite breaching the backline.
Despite the setbacks, Vipers found a way back into the contest in the 38th minute.
Gusto Mulongo restored parity with a powerful low finish, expertly set up by Joel Sserunjogi, giving the Ugandan side a lifeline heading into the break.
Mulongo nearly turned the game on its head moments later, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Head coach Denis Lavagne responded at the start of the second half with a double substitution, introducing Nicholas Mwere and Ashraf Mandela in a bid to regain control.
However, APR struck again just past the hour mark, as skipper Outtara Djbril nodded home from close range after Vipers’ defence switched off at the near post.
Any hopes of a comeback were further complicated when defender Bady Kevin was sent off in the closing stages after receiving a second yellow card, reducing Vipers to ten men.
Earlier in the match, both sides had shown early defensive resolve, with Bady producing a crucial sliding challenge to deny Outtara, while Vipers also threatened through Yunus Sentamu Torach, whose 10th-minute effort deflected out for a corner.
The defeat leaves Vipers second in Group A, while Gor Mahia’s narrow 1-0 victory over Garde Républicaine sees the Kenyan side finish top of the group.
