KIGALI, Rwanda — Ten-man Gor Mahia produced a monumental display of grit and character to book their spot in the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final, outlasting Sudanese heavyweights Al Hilal 8–7 in a dramatic penalty shootout at Kigali’s Pelé Stadium after a 1–1 draw through extra time.
The victory seals K’Ogalo’s revenge against Al Hilal two years after falling to the Omdurman-based side in the 2024 group stages, moving the Kenyan champions within one win of ending a four-decade regional trophy drought.
Gor Mahia drew first blood in the 38th minute following a sweeping team move, but Al Hilal struck back right on the stroke of halftime to send both teams into the break level.
Gor Mahia were forced to dig deep after midfielder Jackson Dwang received a late red card, leaving K’Ogalo to navigate 30 grueling minutes of extra time with 10 men.
Despite relentless late pressure from Al Hilal, Charles Akonnor’s defensive unit held firm through extra time, with Lesley Otieno nearly snatching a 93rd-minute winner.
In a nerve-shredding sudden-death shootout, goalkeeper Byrne Omondi stepped up to convert his own spot-kick before Al Hilal’s Musa Hussein sent his effort wide to seal Gor Mahia’s place in Friday’s grand finale.
