Gor Mahia will return to action on Thursday evening, knowing that nothing short of victory will keep their hopes of lifting the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup alive.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Kenyan giants take on Djibouti's Garde Républicaine in their final Group A fixture at Kigali Pele Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 pm (EAT), in a match that carries enormous significance for Charles Akonnor's side.K'Ogalo made a dream start to their campaign by dismantling hosts APR 5-0 in one of the biggest statements of the tournament. ##NAJAVA_MECA_9868144##However, their momentum was halted in the second outing after suffering a heartbreaking late defeat to Ugandan champions Vipers SC, who snatched a last-gasp winner to move to the top of the group.The defeat left Gor Mahia with three points, meaning qualification is no longer entirely in their hands. Vipers lead Group A with six points and are favourites to finish top, while Gor Mahia must first take care of business against Garde Républicaine, before hoping the goal difference and results elsewhere work in their favour.Kenya eyes CECAFA Challenge Cup to usher in matches at Talanta StadiumA convincing victory would significantly boost K'Ogalo's chances of either topping the group, should other results swing in their favour, or finishing as the tournament's best second-placed team to secure a place in the semi-finals.Akonnor is expected to freshen up his squad after making eight changes in the defeat to Vipers. The Ghanaian tactician is likely to restore several regular starters as he looks to strike the right balance between solidity at the back and attacking efficiency in what is effectively a knockout fixture.AFC Leopards fill Victor Omune's shoes with Gambian internationalDespite their difficult campaign, Garde Républicaine cannot be underestimated. The Djiboutian outfit has lost all of its group matches, and has already been eliminated from the competition, but pride remains at stake. With no pressure of qualification, they are expected to play with freedom and will be keen to bow out on a high by claiming the scalp of East Africa's most decorated club.Their performances may not have produced results, but Gor Mahia will be wary of complacency against a side desperate to salvage something from its maiden appearance in the regional championship.STARS ABROAD: Kenyan-eligible defender impresses in narrow pre-season defeat to LiverpoolFor Gor, a win and preferably by a healthy margin will maximize their chances of progressing to the last four. Anything less would leave their fate hanging by a thread, while defeat would almost certainly bring their CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign to a premature end.With a place in the semi-finals on the line, Thursday night's encounter promises to be a crucial as K'Ogalo seek to keep their regional title ambitions firmly on course.