Vipers SC produced another statement of intent at the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, with substitute Gusto Mulongo emerging as the unlikely hero after nodding home a dramatic stoppage-time winner to seal a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Kenyan giants Gor Mahia FC at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Just as the fiercely contested Group A encounter seemed destined to end in a stalemate, Mulongo rose majestically in the third minute of added time to meet an inviting Ashraf Mandela delivery, powering an unstoppable header beyond the Gor Mahia goalkeeper and sparking wild celebrations among the Venoms faithful.
The victory extends Vipers’ impeccable start to the tournament, following their commanding 3-0 dismantling of Djibouti’s GC Garde Républicaine, and lifts Denis Lavagne’s charges to the top of Group A with a flawless six-point tally.
Unlike their free-flowing opening display, the Ugandan champions were forced to dig deep against a disciplined Gor Mahia side that remained compact and tactically astute throughout an engrossing East African contest.
Both teams approached proceedings with caution, producing an intriguing tactical duel in which defensive solidity outweighed attacking adventure. Space was at a premium, midfield battles were fiercely contested, and clear-cut opportunities proved remarkably elusive.
Vipers enjoyed greater control of possession and patiently dictated the tempo, circulating the ball with composure while searching for cracks in Gor Mahia’s well-drilled defensive structure. The Kenyan champions, however, stood firm, frustrating the Venoms before attempting to threaten on swift counter-attacks.
As the clock wound down, the match appeared destined to finish goalless. Yet Vipers refused to relent.
Their persistence was rewarded deep into stoppage time when Mandela delivered a pinpoint cross from the left flank. Mulongo, introduced to inject fresh energy into the attack, timed his movement impeccably before climbing above his marker to thunder a decisive header into the back of the net.
The late breakthrough crowned another mature and resilient performance from Lavagne’s men, who have now recorded successive victories without conceding a goal, reinforcing both their defensive resilience and championship credentials.
The result leaves Vipers firmly in command of Group A ahead of a mouthwatering final group-stage showdown against hosts APR FC, with qualification for the semifinals now within touching distance.
APR FC were scheduled to face GC Garde Républicaine later in the day, a result that could shape the final complexion of the group. Nevertheless, Vipers have placed themselves in an enviable position, knowing another positive performance against the Rwandan champions would secure top spot.
Two victories, four unanswered goals and consecutive clean sheets have emphatically announced the Venoms as one of the standout sides in this year’s CECAFA Kagame Cup, with their pursuit of regional supremacy gathering irresistible momentum.