This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
On Wednesday, Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay expressed frustration after his team was eliminated from the Cecafa Kagame Cup.
The Kenyan champions had taken an early lead, but ultimately lost 2-1 to Zambia's Green Eagles.
"It has something to do with our fitness levels," Oktay lamented, pointing to the team's pre-season training and the frequency of their games.
He also cited the absence of key players, including Philemon Otieno and Francis Mustafa, who had been excused from participating in the tournament after featuring in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Zambia.
Green Eagles' win secured their spot in the semifinals, joining Uganda's KCCA and Tanzania's Azam. The final semifinal slot will be filled by either hosts Patriotic Army (APR) or DR Congo's AS Maniema.
Substitute Shadrack Mulungwe was the standout performer, scoring a stunning solo goal that sealed the win for the Zambian team at the Stade Kigali.
However, both teams started the game in lackluster form, with Gor Mahia's Nicholas Kipkirui scoring the opening goal after intercepting a pass from Warren Kunda.
But the Zambians soon took control, with Tapson Kaseba equalizing and Amity Shamende scoring the winner after a series of mistakes by the Gor Mahia defense.
Green Eagles dominated the rest of the game, with Michael Mwenga and Boniface Sunzu having opportunities to extend their lead.
Shadrack Mulungwe's goal proved to be the decisive moment, as the Zambian team secured their spot in the semifinals.
