Vipers SC head coach Denis Lavagne praised his side’s tactical patience and unwavering grit after a dramatic stoppage-time header from substitute Gusto Mulongo secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gor Mahia FC in the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
The dramatic win at Kigali Pele Stadium keeps the Venoms flawless at the top of Group A with six points from two matches, putting them within touching distance of the semi-finals.
With the intense regional clash seemingly destined for a goalless draw, Mulongo rose highest in added time to convert Ashraf Mandela’s cross and break Kenyan hearts.
Refinement and flair took a backseat to pure determination, a quality the French tactician was quick to highlight after the final whistle.
“We showed patience, discipline and belief until the very end,” Lavagne said. “Gor Mahia made things difficult for us, but the players never stopped fighting. This is the mentality I want to see from my team because tournaments are not only about playing well—they’re also about finding a way to win.”
The result builds momentum following an opening 3-0 triumph over Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine, but Lavagne was adamant that the squad cannot afford to get ahead of itself before their final group-stage clash against hosts APR FC.
“We are pleased to be top of the group with two victories, but nothing has been achieved yet,” he warned. “Our focus now shifts entirely to APR FC. We must recover well, stay humble and produce another strong performance to finish the group stage the way we want.”
Vipers will complete the group stage on Thursday, July 30, as they take on tournament hosts APR in a highly anticipated encounter.
