Rayon Sports marked the start of a new season in style by defeating Kenyan champions Gor Mahia 2-0 at Kigali Pele Stadium, ending a six-year wait for victory on the club’s annual Rayon Day celebration.
The victory handed the Blues their first Rayon Day triumph since the inaugural edition in 2019, when they beat Gasogi United 3-1, and their first-ever Rayon Day trophy under the event’s current format.
Head coach Francis Christian Haringingo fielded a side featuring nine new signings, with only captain Emmanuel “Kabange” Nshimiyimana and Elie Ishimwe Ganijuru retaining their places from last season’s starting XI.
Rayon Sports made the brighter start and came close to opening the scoring when Boris Gbenou struck the woodwork. Gor Mahia threatened through Jackson Dwang’s long-range effort, but goalkeeper Dande Junior was well positioned to deny him.
The breakthrough arrived in first-half stoppage time after Mubarak Nizeyimana launched a swift attacking move before setting up Togolese forward Antonio Atisso Kodjo, who rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted home to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Both coaches made several changes after the restart, including the introduction of highly anticipated striker Herman Junior Kameni, who was making his first appearance in Rayon colours.
Gor Mahia pushed for an equaliser, but the Rayon Sports defence, led by Charles Tchouplaou and substitute Didier Nshuti, remained resolute.
The hosts wrapped up the win deep into stoppage time when Kameni used his strength to hold off his marker before teeing up Fabio Nkundimana, who finished confidently to make it 2-0.
The match also renewed a rivalry between the two clubs, who previously met in the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup group stage. Rayon Sports won 2-1 in Nairobi after a 1-1 draw in Kigali, while another meeting at the 2018 CECAFA Kagame Cup ended in a 2-2 draw.
Earlier in the day, supporters were treated to a legends’ match, which ended 3-3, before Rayon Sports unveiled their men’s and women’s squads for the upcoming season. Musical performances by Bull Dogg, Kitoko and Chorale de Kigali completed the festivities.
Both Rayon Sports and Gor Mahia will now turn their attention to the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, which will be staged in Rwanda from July 24 to August 7 at Amahoro Stadium and Kigali Pele Stadium.
