Vipers SC head coach Denis Lavagne has demanded a far more polished and commanding performance from his players as the Ugandan champions gear up for a mouthwatering CECAFA Kagame Cup showdown against Kenyan giants Gor Mahia FC on Monday.
The highly anticipated Group A encounter at Kigali Pele Stadium pits together two sides brimming with confidence after emphatic victories in their opening matches. Vipers brushed aside Djibouti’s GC Garde Rรฉpublicaine 3-0, while Gor Mahia announced themselves as serious title contenders with a ruthless 5-0 demolition of hosts APR FC.
With both clubs level on three points and boasting healthy goal differences, the contest carries enormous significance in the battle for supremacy in Group A, with the winner taking a major stride towards the knockout rounds.
Despite overseeing a comfortable victory in his first competitive match in charge, Lavagne has refused to be carried away by the scoreline, insisting the performance fell short of the standards he expects from his side.
“We’re not yet at 100% but we’re here to improve and progress.”
The scene is set. ๐๐ฟ
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โ ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ (@VipersSC) July 27, 2026
The experienced French coach believes the meeting with Gor Mahia will provide a far sterner examination of his team’s credentials and an ideal opportunity to gauge the progress they have made during pre-season.
“I know we have a difficult game against Gor Mahia so it’s a good test for the players. We have to make sure we win and the players want to show that they’re progressing. I expect a better game than the first.”
Lavagne was particularly unimpressed by the dramatic drop in intensity after the interval against Garde Rรฉpublicaine, warning that such lapses will be punished against opponents of Gor Mahia’s quality.
“I wasn’t satisfied with the way we played. We had a good first half, but the second half was bad, so we have to correct so many things. But it’s normal because we are not 100%.”
Even so, the former Cameroon national team coach remains encouraged by the attitude and commitment shown by his squad, expressing confidence that they will continue to evolve as the tournament progresses.
“The players are motivated, and we’re here to win, improve, and progress.”
Monday’s clash is widely viewed as the marquee fixture of Group A, with two East African powerhouses set to lock horns in a contest that could shape the complexion of the group. Victory for either side would establish them as firm favourites to finish top and edge closer to lifting the prestigious regional crown.
