Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC made a powerful statement on the opening day of the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026, cruising to a commanding 3-0 victory over Djibouti's Garde Républicaine FC at Amahoro Stadium on Friday to move to the top of Group A. The Venoms needed just one half to settle the contest, with returning star Farouk Miya delivering an outstanding performance in his first competitive appearance since rejoining the club. The former Uganda Cranes international opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a superb free-kick before doubling Vipers' lead in the 38th minute. Midfiel

Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC made a powerful statement on the opening day of the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026, cruising to a commanding 3-0 victory over Djibouti's Garde Républicaine FC at Amahoro Stadium on Friday to move to the top of Group A. The Venoms needed just one half to settle the contest, with returning star Farouk Miya delivering an outstanding performance in his first competitive appearance since rejoining the club. The former Uganda Cranes international opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a superb free-kick before doubling Vipers' lead in the 38th minute. Midfielder Abdu Karim Watambala then capitalized on defensive hesitation to score in first-half stoppage time, ensuring the Ugandan champions headed into the break with an unassailable three-goal advantage. Despite trailing heavily, Garde Républicaine emerged from the interval with renewed determination and enjoyed their best spell of the match, creating several attacking opportunities. However, Vipers' defensive unit, marshalled by Kevin Dasylva Bady and Nicholas Mwere, stood firm to deny the Djiboutian side a route back into the game. The disciplined display secured not only all three points but also the tournament's first clean sheet. The result gives Vipers an ideal start in a highly competitive Group A that also features Rwandan giants APR FC and Kenyan champions Gor Mahia FC, who were scheduled to meet later on Friday. The victory also strengthens Vipers' confidence ahead of their next fixture against Gor Mahia, a match expected to play a major role in deciding the group standings. Speaking after the match, Vipers head coach Denis Jean Lavagne praised his team's professionalism and the importance of beginning the regional tournament with a victory. "It is good to start with a win in the tournament. Now we focus on the next match against Gor Mahia," he said. Garde Républicaine coach Ahmed Robleh admitted his side struggled in the opening 45 minutes but believed their improved second-half display provided positives to build on. The CECAFA Kagame Cup, which returned to Kigali for the first time since 2019, features 12 clubs from nine countries and serves as a key preparatory tournament ahead of continental competitions. This year's champions will receive US$30,000, with the runners-up earning US$20,000 and the third-placed team taking home US$10,000, continuing a tradition of prize money support from Rwanda President Paul Kagame since 2002. For Vipers SC, the opening-day performance was more than just three points—it was a clear declaration of intent that the Ugandan champions have arrived in Kigali determined to challenge for regional glory.

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