Rayon Sports made a winning start to their 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign by defeating Zanzibar’s KVZ FC 2-0 in their opening Group C match at Amahoro Stadium, with both goals coming from second-half substitutes.
The match was one of two Group C fixtures played on the opening day of the tournament’s group stage and drew significant attention following APR FC’s heavy 5-0 defeat to Kenya’s Gor Mahia FC earlier in the competition.
Head coach Francis Christian Haringingo named the same starting lineup that featured during Rayon Day, with Dande Junior in goal behind a defense of Ganijuru Ishimwe Elie, captain Nshimiyimana Emmanuel “Kabange,” Wakonda Abdel Matumona and Charles Tchouplaou. Muderi Akbar, Ibrahim Mansouru Djingarey and Issa Djiguiba started in midfield, while Boris Gbenou, Nizeyimana Mubaraka and Antonio Atisso Kodjo Kossivi led the attack.
Rayon Sports dominated possession from the opening whistle and created several opportunities but lacked the finishing touch, largely due to the attacking unit’s limited understanding. Despite controlling the game, the Rwandan side went into the break level at 0-0.
Haringingo made an immediate change after halftime, introducing former Mukura VS&L winger Iradukunda Elie “Tatou” in place of Boris Gbenou. The substitute quickly transformed the attack, causing persistent problems for KVZ’s defense with his pace and direct running down the left flank.
Rayon continued to threaten through crosses into the penalty area, but Nizeyimana Mubaraka was unable to convert the chances that came his way and was later replaced by Cameroonian striker Kameni Herman Junior.
The breakthrough came in the 71st minute when Tatou drove into the penalty area and was brought down by a defender. Referee Dick Okello immediately awarded a penalty, which Kameni confidently converted to give Rayon Sports a deserved 1-0 lead.
With the pressure lifted, Rayon Sports remained in control while KVZ attempted to find an equalizer but failed to create any clear scoring opportunities.
The victory was sealed in the 82nd minute when substitute Muhoza Daniel finished a well-delivered cross from right-back Nshimiyimana Emmanuel to make it 2-0.
The result gave Rayon Sports all three points in their opening match, with coach Haringingo’s substitutions proving decisive as both goals came from players introduced in the second half.
In the other Group C fixture, Sudan’s Al Hilal SC Omdurman defeated Kenya’s Tusker FC 2-0. Kamaradini Mamudu opened the scoring in the 30th minute before Salim Adams added a second goal in stoppage time.
Group-stage action continues with two Group A matches at Kigali Pele Stadium, where Gor Mahia FC will face Uganda’s Vipers SC before APR FC takes on Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine FC.
Rayon Sports will return to action against Tusker FC in their second Group C match at Kigali Pele Stadium.
