Rayon Sports’ CECAFA Kagame Cup triumph sparked an outpouring of celebration from senior government officials, ambassadors, musicians and thousands of supporters across Rwanda, as the club ended a 28-year wait for the regional title.
The Rwandan giants defeated Kenya’s Gor Mahia 2-1 after extra time at Amahoro Stadium on Friday night, August 7, clinching the trophy on a night when Rwanda was celebrating Umuganura.
The victory quickly turned into a nationwide celebration, with fans pouring into the streets around Remera, Kimironko, Nyamirambo and other parts of Kigali, as well as communities across the country.
Rayon Sports had last won the regional competition in 1998. Its latest triumph also marked the club’s first CECAFA Kagame Cup title since the competition began receiving sponsorship from President Paul Kagame in 2002.
The celebrations extended far beyond the stadium, with prominent Rwandans taking to social media to congratulate the players and celebrate what many described as a memorable Umuganura gift.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, who had publicly backed Rayon Sports ahead of the final, celebrated the decisive contribution of Muhoza Daniel, who scored the winning goal in extra time.
“Muhoza w’aba Rayon. Ubutumwa busigaye murugo,” Nduhungirehe said.
Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire also congratulated the club, describing the victory as a reward for the team’s determination.
“Thank you very much, Gikundiro, for winning the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026. It is a victory you fought for and one you deserve,” she said.
Mukazayire also expressed appreciation to President Kagame for his continued support of the tournament and for promoting the development of sport in Rwanda.
“We thank President Kagame for his visionary leadership, for the peace and security that allow every Rwandan to thrive, and for his continued support for the development of sport,” she said.
She further congratulated the participating teams, tournament partners, supporters and everyone involved in organising the competition.
“What a joyful way to conclude Umuganura!” she added.
Local Government Minister Dominique Habimana also joined the celebrations, saying Rayon Sports had brought pride to Rwanda by keeping the CECAFA Kagame Cup on home soil.
“Oh Rayooon! Thank you for giving Rwandans an Umuganura gift and making us all proud by keeping this trophy, whose name we hold in high regard, at home. Keep it up, Rayon Sports!” Habimana said.
Health Minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana similarly congratulated the club.
“Thank you very much, Rayon Sports! Keep up the spirit that has made Rwanda proud,” he said.
Rwandan diplomats also joined the celebrations.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Luxembourg, Munyangaju Aurore Mimosa, posted a message congratulating the club and its supporters.
“May the blue be respected! Keep it up, Rayon supporters. Happy Umuganura,” she said.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Sweden, Dr Diane Gashumba, who is a known Rayon Sports supporter, expressed her excitement after the final.
“Oooh Rayoooo! That’s it, Gikundiro! That’s it, the pride of Rwanda! You have made us so happy! What a source of pride for our country!” she said.
Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga also celebrated the victory with a short message: “That’s it, that’s it, Rayon.”
The celebrations were also joined by Rwandan musicians, including Itahiwacu Bruce, popularly known as Bruce Melody.
A prominent Rayon Sports supporter, Bruce Melody congratulated the club for keeping the regional trophy in Rwanda.
“Rayon Sports, you have delivered! The CECAFA Kagame Cup stays at home. What a journey. You deserved it, Gikundiro,” he said.
Rayon Sports’ victory was achieved after an unbeaten run through the tournament, culminating in a 2-1 extra-time win over Gor Mahia in the final. CECAFA reported that the club won all five of its matches and that captain Emmanuel Nshimiyimana was named the tournament’s Best Player.
The triumph gave Rayon Sports supporters a memorable way to close Umuganura, with celebrations continuing across the country after the final whistle.
