Vipers SC Coach Explains How the Ugandan Champions Outclassed Gor Mahia in Kagame Cup

Vipers SC coach Denis Lavagne has revealed how the Ugandan champions silenced Gor Mahia in a fiercely contested Group A encounter at the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali.

Both East African powerhouses traded chances throughout a physical, end-to-end clash that seemed destined to end in a goalless stalemate.

However, substitute Gusto Mulongo proved to be the hero for Vipers, turning in Ashraf Mandela’s delivery deep into stoppage time to break the deadlock.

The dramatic late strike sealed a second consecutive group stage win for Vipers, putting them in firm control of Group A and pushing them closer to the tournament semifinals.

Speaking after the match, coach Denis Lavagne expressed immense satisfaction with his side's tactical discipline following their hard-fought victory over Gor Mahia, emphasising that the triumph was defined as much by their dominant performance as it was by the final scoreline.

Reflecting on the Group A victory, the French tactician noted that the players executed his game plan to perfection, praising their defensive solidity, composure in possession, and overall control throughout the match.

While acknowledging that clear-cut scoring chances were hard to come by for both sides, Lavagne highlighted his team's patience and relentless pressure, which ultimately wore down their Kenyan opponents.

He pointed out that Vipers’ ability to dictate the tempo forced Gor Mahia to expend significant energy chasing the ball, paving the way for their dramatic late winner.

“It's not only the result. I think the performance of the players is good. We played as I explained. We are strong in defence, and we kept the ball and controlled the game. I didn't get one opportunity to score,” the coach said.

“We didn't get too many opportunities, but I think we are more than happy to score a goal at the end of the game. And I think the other team was very tight because we controlled the ball and they ran the road, and at the end of the game we came out victorious. I think the performance of the team was very serious, and it's a good start for future performances.”

The Vipers boss stressed that despite the positive result, his squad still has significant room for growth, particularly in refining their passing game and tactical consistency.

Denis Lavagne pointed out that the team must eliminate inconsistency in their build-up play, noting that they occasionally alternate between short combination passes and direct long balls behind the opposition defence rather than maintaining a steady rhythm.

He emphasised that continued progress will require collective effort, explaining that when every player adopts the right mindset and operates as a cohesive unit, the team becomes adaptable and well-positioned for long-term success.

“We have to improve many things because sometimes we play short passes, and sometimes we play with the long ball on the back of the foot. We need many players. And if you have a good mindset, everyone plays like one unit, and you can change, and it's good for the future. Now you have to keep going like this. It's a good thing,” he added.