CECAFA Kagame Cup: APR FC bow out despite beating Vipers SC in dramatic clash (Photos)

APR FC’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup ended despite a spirited 2-1 victory over Uganda’s Vipers SC at Amahoro Stadium on Thursday evening, as the Rwandan champions finished third in Group A on goal difference.

Needing a convincing win and favorable results elsewhere to stay alive in the tournament, APR produced one of their best displays of the competition but were ultimately denied a place in the last four after Kenya’s Gor Mahia topped the group and Vipers advanced as runners-up.

APR finished level on six points with both Gor Mahia and Vipers, but an inferior goal difference proved costly after their heavy opening defeat to the Kenyan side left them with a significant deficit to overturn.

The hosts made a bright start and were rewarded in the 19th minute.

Vipers goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu gifted possession to APR in his own half, allowing Memel Dao to set up Amani Michel.

Although Amani’s effort was blocked, Malian midfielder Mamadou Traore reacted quickest to convert the rebound and hand APR an early lead.

The Rwandan champions continued to threaten through captain Djibril Ouattara and Dao, but Vipers gradually settled into the contest before drawing level seven minutes before the interval.

Gusto Mulongo unleashed a powerful strike after APR failed to clear their lines, leaving goalkeeper Hakizimana Adolphe with no chance as the sides went into the break level at 1-1.

APR returned from halftime with renewed urgency, dominating possession and forcing Vipers onto the defensive.

Their persistence paid off in the 61st minute when Ouattara finished clinically after being released by Dao, restoring the home side’s advantage.

Vipers’ task became even more difficult in the 79th minute when defender Kevin Bady received a second yellow card for a foul on Ouattara, reducing the Ugandan champions to 10 men for the closing stages.

Despite enjoying a numerical advantage, APR could not find the additional goals they desperately needed to improve their goal difference.

Vipers threw bodies forward in search of an equalizer, but Hakizimana and his defenders stood firm to preserve the victory.

When the final whistle sounded, APR’s celebrations were muted as news filtered through that Gor Mahia had secured top spot in the group.

The Kenyan club finished first with six points and the best goal difference, while Vipers progressed as one of the tournament’s best second-placed teams.

APR, also on six points but with an inferior goal difference, exited the competition.

After recovering from a difficult start to defeat one of East Africa’s strongest clubs, the Rwandan champions were left to reflect on missed opportunities earlier in the tournament.

Photos