APR FC ended their CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026 campaign on a winning note after defeating Uganda’s Vipers SC 2-1 on Thursday, but the result was not enough to secure a place in the semi-finals.
The Rwandan champions finished third in Group A with six points and a goal difference of -3, missing out on qualification despite collecting a second victory in the competition.
The match, played at Amahoro Stadium on July 30, saw APR FC enter the contest needing a convincing win to keep their semi-final hopes alive, while Vipers needed at least a draw to strengthen their chances of progressing as group leaders.
APR FC took the lead in the 19th minute through Mamadou Traore after a costly mistake by the Vipers goalkeeper. The goalkeeper’s poor clearance fell to APR FC players in an advanced position, allowing them to create an opportunity that Traore finished to score his second goal of the tournament.
Vipers responded in the 38th minute when Mulongo levelled the score with a low shot that beat APR goalkeeper Hakizimana Adolphe, sending the teams into halftime tied at 1-1.
APR regained the lead in the 63rd minute through Djibril Ouattara, who headed in a cross from Memel Dao after an attack from the left flank.
Vipers pushed for another equaliser, while APR FC searched for more goals to reduce their goal deficit from earlier matches, but neither side added to the scoreline before the final whistle.
The defeat left Vipers SC in a difficult position despite finishing second in the group. The Ugandan side advanced with six points but could still be eliminated depending on the outcome of the remaining Group A fixture between Rayon Sports and Al Hilal SC.
Rayon Sports need only a draw against Al Hilal on Saturday to reach the semi-finals. A single point would take them to seven points and guarantee qualification, while a defeat could see them eliminated depending on goal difference.
Vipers would be eliminated if Rayon Sports avoid defeat. If Rayon Sports lose by a single goal, they would still finish ahead of Vipers on goal difference, having a superior position in that ranking scenario.
The final standings in Group B could also affect the qualification picture. Singida Black Stars would overtake Rayon Sports’ position if they defeat Simba SC by two goals or more, as both teams could finish on six points if Rayon Sports lose to Al Hilal.
Group A was topped by Kenya’s Gor Mahia, who secured six points with a +5 goal difference after defeating FC Garde Républicaine 1-0 at Amahoro Stadium on Thursday. The result confirmed their place in the semi-finals.
