TORONTO — September 12, 2026 —
The Toronto Argonauts survived a dramatic fourth-quarter finish Saturday afternoon, defeating the Ottawa REDBLACKS 26–23 on Lirim Hajrullahu’s 29-yard field goal on the final play at BMO Field. The victory moved Toronto to 7–6, while Ottawa fell to 0–12 and suffered its 18th consecutive defeat.
Game Summary
Toronto controlled much of the opening half but had to overcome two costly interceptions by quarterback Chad Kelly. Ottawa’s King Ambers picked off Kelly twice, including once in the end zone, keeping the REDBLACKS within striking distance.
The scoring began with Hajrullahu, who opened the game with a 98-yard kickoff single before adding a 25-yard field goal to put Toronto ahead 4–0.
Ottawa responded with Bryson Barnes’ one-yard touchdown run, giving the REDBLACKS a 7–4 advantage. Hajrullahu’s 23-yard field goal before halftime tied the game 7–7.
Third Quarter
Toronto regained the lead when Kelly connected with David Ungerer III for a 34-yard touchdown, making it 14–7.
Ottawa answered through McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who replaced Jake Maier in the second quarter and immediately provided a spark. Bethel-Thompson found Keelan White for a 28-yard touchdown, bringing Ottawa level at 14–14.
The teams continued trading scores, with Hajrullahu adding a field goal and Ottawa’s Brett Lauther answering from 46 yards.
Toronto eventually moved ahead 23–17 when Kelly found Damonte Coxie for a 21-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. The convert was blocked, however, leaving the door open for Ottawa.
Lauther later kicked a 28-yard field goal to make it 23–20, before his 21-yarder with 10:09 remaining tied the game 23–23. The tying kick was set up by Kalil Pimpleton’s spectacular 88-yard punt return to the Toronto 17-yard line.
The Winning Drive
With 2:25 remaining, Toronto took possession at its own 14-yard line.
Kelly calmly directed a 12-play, 74-yard drive, moving the Argos into field-goal range. Hajrullahu then delivered the decisive 29-yard field goal as time expired, sending BMO Field into celebration and securing Toronto’s second victory in six days.
Quarterback Report
Chad Kelly — Toronto:
35-for-42, 443 passing yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs. Kelly’s interceptions created problems, but he responded with a composed game-winning drive.
Jake Maier — Ottawa:
7-for-10, 42 yards before being replaced in the second quarter.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson — Ottawa:
16-for-23, 192 yards, 1 TD. His arrival gave Ottawa’s offence a much-needed downfield dimension
Standout Performers
Lirim Hajrullahu, Toronto — Player of the Game
Hajrullahu supplied the decisive kick and finished with four field goals, a convert and a single, playing a major role in Toronto’s narrow victory.
Chad Kelly, Toronto
Despite the two interceptions, Kelly’s 443-yard passing performance and final drive were critical.
Damonte Coxie, Toronto
Coxie delivered the key fourth-quarter touchdown that temporarily put the Argos ahead.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Ottawa
The veteran quarterback provided an immediate lift after replacing Maier and helped engineer two touchdown drives.
Kalil Pimpleton, Ottawa
His 88-yard punt return nearly set up an Ottawa victory, producing the field position for the game-tying field goal.
Turning Point
The decisive sequence came after Ottawa tied the game 23–23. The REDBLACKS forced Toronto into a two-and-out, giving them one final opportunity. But Bethel-Thompson was sacked near midfield, ending Ottawa’s final possession without points.
Toronto got the ball back, and Kelly completed the game-winning march.
Final Word
The Argonauts didn’t make it easy on themselves, but they found a way to win. Toronto’s offence produced another big passing day from Kelly, while Hajrullahu proved perfect when it mattered most.
For Ottawa, the defeat was another painful chapter in a historic losing streak. The REDBLACKS had chances to win, but mistakes in crucial situations—including the late sack and poor decision-making on Ambers’ second interception—ultimately proved costly.
Attendance: 12,494
