Gor Mahia booked their place in the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final after defeating Sudanese giants Al Hilal SC 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout in the semifinal encounter held at Kigali Pele Stadium on Tuesday. The Kenyan champions survived a stern test from Al Hilal in a thrilling semifinal encounter which in a 1-1 draw after extra time. After an evenly contested opening period, Gor Mahia took the lead in the 36th minute through an unfortunate own goal by Al Hilal defender Steven Ebuela. The defender turned the ball into his own net while attempting to deal with a dangerous delivery, handing the Kenyan side the advantage. However, Al Hilal responded positively and were rewarded just before the halftime whistle. Ansumana Samura leveled matters in the 44th minute after combining well with Abdelrazig Yagoub Omer Taha, who provided the assist for the equalizer. The goal ensured the teams went into the break deadlocked at 1-1 after an entertaining first half in which both sides created chances and displayed their attacking quality. The tempo remained high after the restart as the two regional powerhouses continued to search for a winning goal. Gor Mahia enjoyed spells of dominance and looked the more threatening side going forward, but Al Hilal's organised defence and resilience kept them firmly in the contest. Al Hilal repeatedly found answers whenever Gor Mahia threatened to take control, demonstrating the fighting spirit that had carried them to the last four. Despite opportunities at both ends, neither side could find a winner within regulation time, forcing the contest to extra time which also ended with the same score. The shootout produced high drama as players from both teams converted from the spot with remarkable composure. With little separating the sides, the pressure intensified with each kick before Gor Mahia eventually prevailed 8-7 to spark celebrations among their players and fans. The victory sent Gor Mahia into the final and keeps alive their hopes of lifting the regional title they last won in 1985, while Al Hilal's campaign ended despite a spirited performance.
