Gor Mahia Reach First Kagame Cup Final in 11 Years After Dramatic Penalty Win

Gor Mahia beat Al Hilal Omdurman 8–7 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in their CECAFA Kagame Cup semi-final at Kigali Pele Stadium, securing a place in Friday’s final for the first time since 2015.

The Kenyan champions took the lead midway through the first half when Al Hilal defender Steven Ebuela turned the ball into his own net. Al Hilal responded soon afterwards through Ansumana Samura, who levelled the score before the break. Gor Mahia created several chances during the opening period but were unable to restore their advantage.

Al Hilal controlled more of the play in the second half and put Gor Mahia under sustained pressure. The Kenyan side defended well to keep the match level and force extra time.

Gor Mahia's task became more difficult when Jackson Dwang was sent off in extra time, leaving the team with 10 players. Despite the numerical disadvantage, they remained organised and withstood further pressure from Al Hilal. The match was eventually decided by a penalty shootout.

Gor Mahia recovered from an early missed penalty to keep the shootout level. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi converted his spot-kick before Al Hilal's Musa Hussein missed, allowing the Kenyan champions to seal an 8–7 victory.

The result sends Gor Mahia into their first Kagame Cup final in more than a decade. They last reached the final in 2015, when they lost to Tanzania's Azam FC. Their previous tournament titles came in 1980, 1981 and 1985.

Victory in Friday's final would earn Gor Mahia the $30,000 winners' prize and their first Kagame Cup title in 41 years. Coach Charles Akonnor remains without injured captain Sylvester Owino, Samuel Kapen and Patrick Essombe, but his side showed resilience to overcome Al Hilal despite finishing the match with 10 players.

Al Hilal's campaign ended despite another strong performance from the Sudanese club, who remained competitive throughout the match but were eliminated after a single missed penalty in the shootout. Gor Mahia will face either South Sudan's Jamus SC or Rwanda's Rayon Sports in Friday's final at Amahoro Stadium. The match offers the Kenyan club an opportunity to win the regional title for the first time since 1985.