By Anderson Ojwang
President Paul Kagame strode to Amahoro Stadium for the opening match between APR FC of Rwanda and the mighty Gor Mahia, wuod Ogalo.
The President, after entering the venue in the 68th minute, greeted a few officials and then settled on a seat reserved for him to cheer the home team during the 2026 CECAFA-Kagame Cup.
The Arsenal diehard, even before he could swallow saliva, received a greeting from his namesake Paul Okoth, who tapped in to give Gor Mahia the third goal.
Okoth marked his entry into K’Ogalo in style by flooding butterflies in the President’s stomach.
Bad manners
Gor Mahia forgot the code of conduct and how to behave in front of the President and continued with their bad manners on the field.
Technically, Gor Mahia were superior, calm on the ball, and dictated terms before adding more pain to the President by adding two more goals.
The stadium went silent, and some fans could not hold any longer the humiliation and opted to walk out before the final whistle.
The stadium, which was packed to the brim with home fans cheering and dancing, soon became deserted as the spirits of Mahia descended in Kigali and tormented the country.
In their droves, the country retreated back home wondering what could have befallen them. The defeat was so painful in front of the country’s strongman. Just imagine.
New signings
The match allowed the new signings to give account of themselves, and indeed, they excelled. Every bit of time they got was well deserved. Gor got value for their money.
Salute
Football Kenya Federation wrote: “Congratulations to Gor Mahia FC on a commanding 5-0 victory over APR FC in your CECAFA Kagame Cup opener. A brilliant performance and a proud statement for Kenyan football on the regional stage. Wishing you continued success in the tournament.”
Gor Mahia patron Eliud Owalo wrote: “An excellent start, with an emphatic win. Congratulations K’Ogalo!”
Former AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda wrote: “Congratulations Gor Mahia… You have issued a statement, well received!”
FKF President Hussein Mohammed wrote: “Congratulations Gor Mahia FC. That was an impressive and emphatic start to the CECAFA Kagame Cup, a performance that sets the tone for the campaign ahead. Best of luck in your next assignment.”
Sweet revenge
In 2008, APR FC humiliated Gor Mahia in Nairobi during the CECAFA Cup. Last night, Gor Mahia had the last laugh. The sweetest. For 17 years, Gor waited patiently, and before the President, the revenge was served cold.
