It took a heroic defensive stand and a flawless streak from the spot, but Gor Mahia are through to the 2026 CECAFA Club Championship decider following a pulsating 8-7 shootout victory over Sudan’s Al-Hilal Omdurman at Kigali Pele Stadium today.

K’Ogal struck first blood in the 38th minute through an own goal. But Al-Hilal, veterans of countless continental wars, refused to wilt. They hit back within five minutes, breaching the Gor Mahia backline in the 43rd minute to restore parity and the two sides trudged into the tunnel deadlocked at 1-1.

What followed was a cagey second period, with both outfits circumspect in attack. Chances came and went, but neither goalkeeper was truly beaten again in regulation time, forcing the tie into an additional 30 minutes where the pressure ratcheted up several notches.

Gor Mahia nearly snatched the lead early in extra time when substitute Leslay Otieno ghosted into space and unleashed a ferocious strike. However, his aim betrayed him as the ball soared over the woodwork, a golden opportunity gone begging.

The tide turned dramatically in the 100th minute when Jackson Dwang received his marching orders after a red card, leaving the K’Ogalo numerically disadvantaged.

Down to ten men, Gor Mahia were forced to absorb wave after wave of Al-Hilal pressure, but their rearguard stood tall, repelling everything the Sudanese giants threw at them to drag the contest to penalties.

The ensuing shootout was nothing short of spectacular, a display of ice-cold nerves from both camps.

The deadlock was finally broken when an Al-Hilal player steered his effort off target to hand Gor Mahia a dramatic 8-7 triumph.

The victory sets up a mouthwatering final showdown for K’Ogalo, who will lock horns with Rwandan side Rayon Sport.

The hosts secured their place in the title match after cruising past South Sudan’s Jamus with a convincing 3-1 victory in the other semi-final encounter.