Gor Mahia edge Al-Hilal in thrilling CECAFA semis

Gor Mahia FC have booked their place in the 2026 CECAFA Club Championship final after a dramatic semi-final clash against Sudan’s Al-Hilal Omdurman, prevailing 8-7 in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Tuesday night.

In a match that ebbed and flowed with high tension and end-to-end action, the Kenyan champions took the lead just before the half-hour mark through an goal.

Gor Mahia took the lead in the 38th minute but the lead was short-lived. Al-Hilal, known for their resilience on the continental stage, responded swiftly. Just five minutes later, in the 43rd minute, the Sudanese giants broke through the Gor Mahia defense to slot home the equalizer, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.

The second half proved to be a tactical battle, with both sides creating half-chances but failing to break the deadlock. As the clock wound down, the match headed into extra time, with the stakes rising by the minute.

Gor Mahia looked poised to retake the lead in the early stages of extra time. Substitute Leslay Otieno found himself in a promising position and unleashed a powerful shot, but his effort sailed agonizingly over the crossbar, letting Al-Hilal off the hook.

The momentum of the game shifted dramatically in the 100th minute when Gor Mahia were reduced to ten men. Jackson Dwang was shown a straight red card, forcing the Kenyan side to dig deep and defend resolutely against a rejuvenated Al-Hilal attack for the remainder of extra time.

Despite being a man down, Gor Mahia’s defense, marshaled by their disciplined backline, held firm to force the contest to a penalty shootout.

The shootout was a marathon of perfection. Both sets of players displayed immense composure from the spot, matching each other kick for kick.

A crucial miss from the Sudanese side opened the door for Gor Mahia, and the Kenyan giants made no mistake to seal an 8-7 victory in the shootout.

Gor Mahia will now face Rayon Sport in the final after the Rwandese side beat Jamus of South Sudan 3-1 in the other semi-final clash.