Gor Mahia outclassed APR FC 5-0 in 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup opener (Photos)

APR FC suffered one of the heaviest defeats in their CECAFA Kagame Cup history after Kenyan giants Gor Mahia cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory in the opening Group A match at Amahoro Stadium on Saturday.

The Rwandan champions began brightly in front of their home supporters, enjoying the majority of possession during the opening half-hour and attempting to dictate the tempo.

However, despite their positive start, APR FC failed to convert their early dominance into clear-cut chances, and Gor Mahia punished them with ruthless efficiency.

The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when defender Mike Evans Kibwage rose highest to head home from a well-delivered corner, giving the Kenyan side the lead against the run of play.

Barely two minutes later, APR FC’s problems deepened as Ariste Patrick Ekandjoum Essombe unleashed a powerful effort from outside the penalty area that beat the goalkeeper to double Gor Mahia’s advantage before half-time.

The quick-fire goals visibly unsettled APR FC, who struggled to regain their composure for the remainder of the match.

Although they attempted to respond after the interval, their attacking moves lacked fluency and coordination, while Gor Mahia looked increasingly confident every time they surged forward.

The visitors effectively put the contest beyond doubt in the 63rd minute when Paul Okoth Odhiambo calmly finished off another well-worked attacking move to make it 3-0.

As APR FC pushed numbers forward in search of a consolation, spaces opened at the back, allowing Gor Mahia to capitalize on the counterattack.

Their fourth goal arrived in the 79th minute after an impressive solo run by Sariff Sabuni Sirengo, who beat his marker before setting up Lesley Otieno Owino to finish from close range.

Substitute Ebenezer Assifuah completed the emphatic victory three minutes from time, slotting home the fifth goal to cap a dominant performance by the Kenyan record champions.

APR FC endured a frustrating evening as several of their new signings struggled to build an understanding, with the team lacking cohesion in both attack and defence.

The military side appeared disjointed throughout the second half, while fatigue also became evident as Gor Mahia controlled the closing stages with ease.

The match attracted significant attention, with Rwanda President Paul Kagame watching from the stands at Amahoro Stadium.

Former Rwanda international striker Meddie Kagere, who previously enjoyed a successful spell with Gor Mahia, was also in attendance.

Gor Mahia, meanwhile, achieved the victory despite missing injured captain Sylvester Owino.

The defeat leaves APR FC under immediate pressure in Group A, with little room for error if they hope to progress to the knockout rounds.

Head coach Taleb Abderrahim and his players will now turn their focus to Monday’s crucial encounter against Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine FC, knowing that a positive response is essential to revive their CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign after a disappointing opening-night setback.

APR FC head coach Taleb Abderrahim named the following starting lineup: Siluane Ernan Alberto, Nshimiyimana Yunusu, Ishimwe Christian, Byiringiro Jean Gilbert, Amani Kuodiakan Michel Breygeneve, Madou Zon, Dauda Yussif Seidu, Djibrill Ouattara Cheick, Ssekiganda Ronald, Dao Raouf Memel and Togui Mel William.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor started with Bryne Omondi Odhiambo, Mike Evans Kibwage, Daniel Sakari Macheso, Siraji Mohamed Siraji, Frank Onyango Odhiambo, Enock Momanyi Machaka, Alpha Chris Onyango, Jackson Dwang Mulla, Ariste Patrick Ekandjoum Essombe, Paul Okoth Odhiambo and David Okoth Odhiambo.

Photos