Substitute Gusto Mulongo Wa Ilunga was the hero of the hour as Vipers SC clinched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Kenyan champions Gor Mahia at the Kigali Pele Stadium, securing their spot in the semifinals of the regional clubs tournament.
In a fierce, high-stakes East African showdown, both powerhouses traded blows in a tactical stalemate for the majority of 90 minutes. Gor Mahia’s defensive discipline held firm against the Venoms’ relentless pressure, keeping the game on a razor’s edge into stoppage time.
However, the game turned in the 94th minute. Introduced late off the bench to inject fresh energy into the attack, Congolese forward Gusto Mulongo capitalized on a momentary lapse in the Gor Mahia penalty box to turn in the match-winner, scoring with head and sending the Vipers bench and supporters into wild celebrations. Thanks to a beautiful assist from Ashraf Mandela.
Speaking to the media after the dramatic final whistle, Vipers SC head coach Denis Lavagne commended his side’s defensive structure and game management.
“We played fantastic football today,” Lavagne said. “Our defensive organization was solid from start to finish, and the squad executed our plan brilliantly. Overall, it was a complete and disciplined performance from the boys.”
On the other end, Gor Mahia boss Charles Akonnor was left to rue the crucial lapse in focus during the final seconds of regulation.
“We knew from the start this would be a high-intensity battle and we prepared for every scenario, but a single moment of lost concentration in stoppage time cost us deeply,” noted Akonnor. “At this level, small details decide big games.”
The victory not only seals regional bragging rights over their Kenyan counterparts but also books the Venoms a place in the semifinals as they continue their pursuit of continental silverware.
Group A Result:
Gor Mahia 0-1 Vipers SC
Fixture:
Garde Republicaine vs APR FC | 7pm EAT.
