Rayon Sports ended a 28-year wait for the CECAFA Kagame Cup on Friday, beating Kenya’s Gor Mahia 2-1 after extra time in a final watched by about 45,000 fans at Amahoro Stadium.
Muhoza Daniel scored six minutes into extra time to give the Rwandan club its second regional title, following its first triumph in 1998.
Gor Mahia started strongly, controlling possession in midfield and testing Rayon Sports goalkeeper Dande Junior with several long-range efforts. Rayon Sports gradually settled into the contest and took the lead in the 28th minute.
Junior Kameni put the Rwandan side ahead after Gor Mahia failed to clear a ball in its penalty area.
Rayon Sports appeared to have doubled its advantage before halftime, but the effort was ruled out after the assistant referee judged that Muderi Akbar had handled the ball.
Gor Mahia responded after the break with three substitutions, bringing on Othieno Onyona, Ebenezer Assifuah and Stanley Omondi.
The changes quickly paid off.
In the 54th minute, Sabuni Odhiambo Sharriff, also known as Sabuni Sirengo, collected a long ball, moved into the penalty area and beat Nshuti Didier before firing past Dande Junior to make it 1-1.
Gor Mahia continued to apply pressure and created several chances, but neither side could find a winner in regulation time.
The match went into extra time, where Rayon Sports regained the lead in the 96th minute. Muhoza Daniel finished from a pass by Tambwe Gloire to put Rayon Sports 2-1 ahead.
Gor Mahia pushed for another equalizer but could not convert its chances as Rayon Sports held on to the final whistle.
The victory was Rayon Sports’ second Kagame Cup, after its 1998 triumph over Mlandege FC of Zanzibar by the same score. The club completed this year’s tournament unbeaten, adding the regional title to the Rwanda Peace Cup it won in 2023 after beating APR FC in the final.
Rayon Sports earned $30,000 in prize money. Gor Mahia received $20,000 as runners-up, while Sudan’s Al-Hilal SC took $10,000 after finishing third.
Al-Hilal secured third place with a 2-1 victory over South Sudan’s Jamus FC. Ansumana Samura and Abdelrazig Yagoub Omer Taha scored for Al-Hilal, while Simon Majak scored for Jamus.
Rayon Sports captain Nshimiyimana Emmanuel, known as Kabange, was named player of the tournament. Dande Junior was voted best goalkeeper after conceding two goals.
Djibril Outtara of APR FC and Al-Hilal’s Samura shared the top-scorer award with three goals each, while Rayon Sports received the fair-play award.
The final was attended by Prime Minister Dr. Nsengiyumva Justin, Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire and FERWAFA president Shema Ngoga Fabrice, among other officials.
The victory prompted celebrations across Rwanda, with public figures including musician Bruce Melodie and Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana congratulating the club on social media.
After 28 years, the Kagame Cup is back with Rayon Sports.
