Rayon Sports moved within touching distance of the CECAFA Kagame Cup semifinals after defeating Kenya’s Tusker FC 1-0 on Wednesday, setting up a decisive final Group C clash against Sudan’s Al Hilal SC.
Antonio Atisso Kodjo Kossivi scored the only goal of the match just before halftime at Kigali Pele Stadium, giving the Rwandan side its second consecutive victory in the tournament.
The result lifted Rayon Sports to six points, level with Al Hilal, which earlier on Wednesday thrashed Zanzibar’s KVZ FC 4-0 to remain top of Group C on goal difference.
Rayon and Al Hilal will now meet on Saturday in a winner-takes-top-spot encounter. A draw would be enough to send both teams into the semifinals, while defeat could leave Rayon relying on results elsewhere depending on the ranking of the best second-placed teams.
Rayon Sports gradually took control of Wednesday’s contest after an evenly contested opening. Winger Iradukunda Elie “Tatou” was influential down the flanks, creating several dangerous opportunities as the hosts increased the pressure.
Tusker nearly broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Steve Omondi tested goalkeeper Dande Junior with a powerful effort, but the Rayon shot-stopper pushed the ball away for a corner.
The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Muderi Akbar found Kossivi inside the penalty area, and the forward calmly finished to hand Rayon a deserved lead.
Rayon continued to create chances after the restart and came close to doubling its advantage in the 58th minute when Tatou unleashed a long-range strike that crashed against the crossbar.
Tusker responded by committing more players forward during the final 20 minutes. Their best opportunity fell to John Otieno, who fired over the bar after finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Despite sustained pressure late in the game, Rayon’s defense held firm to secure all three points and record back-to-back wins in the competition.
Earlier, Al Hilal produced the tournament’s most convincing performance so far with a 4-0 victory over KVZ FC.
Mohamed Abdelrhman Yousif Yagub opened the scoring from the penalty spot inside the opening five minutes before Ahmed M’bareck doubled the Sudanese side’s lead before halftime.
Substitute Ansumana Samura added a third in the 80th minute, and Akire Temple Taiwo sealed the victory with a fourth goal in stoppage time after rounding the goalkeeper.
The defeat eliminated KVZ FC from the tournament alongside Mogadishu City and Garde Républicaine FC, while Tusker also exited after suffering a second consecutive loss.
With two rounds completed, Al Hilal lead Group C on six points with a superior goal difference, followed by Rayon Sports on six points. Tusker FC and KVZ FC are yet to register a point and have both been eliminated.
