Kenyan champions Gor Mahia produced a ruthless display to thrash APR FC 5-0 in CECAFA Kagame Cup at Amahoro Stadium on Friday night. Charles Akonnor’s side outclassed the hosts in every department to move to the top of Group A and underline their credentials as early title contenders. APR, backed by a large home crowd, started brightly but struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances against a disciplined Gor Mahia defence marshalled by captain Mike Kibwage and Frank Odhiambo. The breakthrough arrived in the 33rd minute when Kibwage rose highest to put the visitors ahead. Gor Mahia doubled their advantage just two minutes later through Cameroonian striker Patrick Essombe, whose low finish from the edge of the box left APR goalkeeper with no chance. Holding a comfortable 2-0 lead at the interval, Gor Mahia returned from the break with the same intensity, frustrating APR’s attempts to mount a comeback. The Kenyan side dominated midfield through Alpha Onyango, Jackson Dwang and debutant Enock Machaka, limiting the Rwandan champions to few meaningful opportunities. Akonnor’s substitutions further tipped the balance in Gor Mahia’s favour. New signing Paul Okoth marked his competitive debut with a goal in the 73rd minute, calmly finishing from close range after a well-worked move down the left flank. Six minutes later, fellow debutant Lesley Otieno added a fourth goal to cap an impressive first appearance for the club. Ghanaian forward Ebenezer Assifuah-Inkoom then completed the rout in the 85th minute, firing home from inside the area. Gor Mahia now lead Group A ahead of Uganda’s Vipers SC, who defeated Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine 3-0. The Kenyan giants will face Vipers on Monday in a match that could prove decisive in the race for a place in the knockout stages.
