Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has hailed the team's impressive performance at the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, where they finished runners-up after losing 2–1 to Rayon Sports in extra time.The Kenyan champions enjoyed a strong campaign in Rwanda, navigating a challenging group and knockout stage before narrowly missing out on the title in the final.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883764##Gor Mahia emphatically opened their Group A campaign, thrashing APR FC 5-0 before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Vipers SC in their second match.K’Ogalo bounced back with a 1–0 victory over Garde Républicaine to finish top of the group, before overcoming Al Hilal 8–7 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the semi-final to book their place in the final.Despite the final disappointment, Rachier was pleased with the team’s overall performance and praised the players and technical bench for reaching the title decider.English side eyeing Harambee Stars midfielder ahead of 2026-2027 season“I want to congratulate Gor Mahia and the whole technical bench for getting to the final. It was not a very easy task to achieve, and even on the final day, we did not just have to win; we played very well. We were 70% in control, but such is football.” He told Dollar TV.Away from Gor Mahia’s performance, Rachier gave the tournament organisers a positive assessment, commending the way the competition was staged and the arrangements made for supporters.He was particularly impressed with the security and screening procedures, as well as the system used to manage spectators entering the stadiums.“The tournament was very well organised; security, screening and allowing people to get in were also well organised. The seating arrangement was great, and the fans were also responsible,” Rachier said.“Blame us, not the coach”: Starlets captain defends Odemba after disappointing WAFCON campaignThe seasoned football boss also praised the playing facilities used during the competition, while acknowledging some challenges at Amahoro Stadium.“The grounds, apart from a few problems with the Amahoro Stadium, were very user-friendly and very well attended to. Overall, I would like to congratulate the CECAFA organisers.”The Gor Mahia chairman was equally positive about the standard of officiating, noting that although referees cannot get every decision right, their overall performance was satisfactory.“As far as the officiating is concerned, I think it was great. The referees made good decisions; it can never be 100%, but it was generally good officiating,” Rachier added.Gor Mahia now shift focus to their September CAF Champions League preliminary round matches against Pyramids FC of Egypt.Odira to collide with Werro, Bol at Lausanne Diamond League
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