Gor Mahia suffered their first defeat of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup after conceding a stoppage-time goal in a 1-0 loss to Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
Substitute Gusto Mulongo scored the decisive goal in the closing moments of the Group A contest, securing a second consecutive victory for Vipers and moving the Ugandan side to the top of the standings with six points.
Both teams had won their opening matches and entered the fixture knowing another victory would significantly strengthen their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor made nine changes to the team that defeated APR FC in the opening game. Goalkeeper Humphrey Kastasi was handed his competitive debut as K'Ogalo sought to build on their winning start.
The Kenyan champions created the first clear opportunity after 10 minutes when Paul Ochuoga released Hansel Ochieng into space. The former AFC Leopards winger, however, lifted his effort over the crossbar.
Vipers responded shortly afterwards through Farouk Miya, whose powerful attempt from outside the penalty area narrowly missed the target.
The Ugandan champions continued to threaten and came close again in the 20th minute when Rodgers Torach delivered a dangerous cross towards Paul Mboowa, but the striker directed his header just over the bar.
Gor Mahia then produced one of their best openings of the first half. Lawrence Juma played a defence-splitting pass into the path of Ebenezer Adukwaw, but the Ghanaian attacker fired over with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Vipers nearly opened the scoring 10 minutes before the break when Miya controlled Milton Karisa's pass and drove into the penalty area. Kastasi reacted quickly, rushing off his line to make an important one-on-one save.
Ben Stanley also tried his luck from distance after reacting first to a loose ball outside the box, but his effort flashed narrowly wide.
Yunus Sentamu had the final opportunity of the first half after combining with Nicholas Ogwang, although his low strike from range went wide as the teams headed into the break level at 0-0.
The match remained evenly balanced after the restart, with both sides continuing to push for the opening goal.
Gor Mahia went close in the 55th minute when Frank Odhiambo rose to meet Stanley's delivery, but the defender could not direct his powerful header on target.
Akonnor introduced Sharif Musa, Lesley Otieno and Paul Okoth shortly after the hour mark, replacing George Amonno, Ochieng and Adukwaw as Gor Mahia looked for more energy in attack.
Musa almost made an immediate difference after beating several defenders and curling an effort narrowly beyond the far post.
Vipers responded through Karim Watambala, who met a cross from Mulongo with a first-time attempt that drifted just wide.
Lesley Otieno also threatened for Gor Mahia after creating space outside the penalty area, but his powerful strike missed the target as the match appeared headed for a goalless draw.
Vipers eventually found the breakthrough deep into stoppage time.
Ashraf Mandela delivered a low cross into the Gor Mahia penalty area, where Mulongo timed his run well and calmly finished from close range to secure all three points.
The defeat leaves Gor Mahia on three points after two matches, while Vipers are in control of Group A with a perfect six points.
K'Ogalo will now turn their attention to their final group match against Djibouti's FC Garde Republicaine. A victory could still take the Kenyan champions into the semi-finals, depending on the results of the remaining group fixtures.
