Rayon Sports Women’s Football Club began its CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers campaign with a 0-0 draw against Zanzibar’s Mafunzo Women FC on Friday at Kigali Pele Stadium.
The Rwandan champions dominated large spells of the Group A encounter and created several chances but were unable to find the breakthrough, with Mafunzo goalkeeper Chelsea Ngole producing a strong performance to keep her side in the game.
Rayon Sports coach Claude Rwaka started Ndakimana Angeline in goal, with captain Andersen Uwase, Lydia Uzayisenga, Regine Ihirwe, Sifa Uwanyirigira and Joselyne Mukantaganira forming the defensive line.
Scholastique Gikundiro and Salama Ntakobanjila operated in midfield, while Coralie Odette Elsie Eyeang Nguema and Zaina Namuleme led the attack.
Substitute Dorothee Mukeshimana came close to breaking the deadlock after the Mafunzo goalkeeper came off her line, but she could not convert the opportunity.
The draw leaves both Rayon Sports and Mafunzo with one point each after the opening round, while South Sudan’s Yei Joint Stars lead Group A with three points following their 3-0 victory over Eritrea’s Denden FC. Denden are bottom without a point.
Rayon Sports will return to action on Sunday, August 23, when they face Denden FC at Kigali Pele Stadium at 4 p.m. The match will be crucial for the Rwandan side as it seeks to strengthen its chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
The 2026 CECAFA zonal qualifiers are being hosted in Kigali from August 21 to 31, with teams competing for the regional ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League.
