KIGALI, Rwanda – Gor Mahia FC advanced to the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final after defeating Al Hilal SC 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time at Kigali Pele Stadium on Tuesday.
The CECAFA Kagame Cup semi-final came to life in the 34th minute when Gor Mahia took the lead through an own goal, giving the Kenyan side the advantage.
Al Hilal responded before halftime as 19-year-old Gambian forward Ansumana Samura scored his first goal for the Sudanese club since joining from Gambinos Stars Academy in Banjul. Samura finished confidently after an assist from Abdelrazig Yagoub Omer Taha to level the score at 1-1 in the 44th minute.
Both teams created several chances in the second half, but neither could find the winning goal, forcing the match into 30 minutes of extra time.
Extra time produced more end-to-end action, with both sides pushing for a place in the final. However, the deadlock remained intact, sending the contest to penalties.
In the shootout, Gor Mahia held their composure to claim an 8-7 victory and book their place in the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final, while Al Hilal exited the competition after a spirited performance.
