Rayon Sports have booked their place in the CECAFA Kagame Cup final for the first time in 28 years after defeating South Sudan’s Jamus SC 3-1 in a thrilling semi-final clash at Kigali Pele Stadium on Tuesday.
The victory means Rayon Sports will return to the regional tournament final for the first time since 1998, the same year they won their only CECAFA Kagame Cup title. They will face Kenya’s Gor Mahia FC in the final scheduled for Friday at Amahoro Stadium.
Coach Haringingo Francis Christian maintained the same starting lineup that had featured in Rayon Sports’ previous two matches, with goalkeeper Dande Junior protected by defenders Ganijuru Ishimwe Elie, Charles Tchouplaou, Nshuti Didier and captain Nshimiyimana Emmanuel “Kabange”.
Muderi Akbar, Ibrahim Mansouru Djingarey and Issa Djiguiba controlled the midfield, while Iradukunda Elie Tatou, Kameni Herman Junior and Antonio Kossivi Atisso Kodjo led the attack.
Jamus SC entered the match without some key players, including former Rayon Sports midfielder Muhire Kevin and goalkeeper Kubi Appiah, who were sidelined through injuries.
Rayon Sports started the match cautiously, allowing Jamus SC to dominate possession while remaining organised defensively and relying on quick counter-attacks.
The approach paid off in the first half when captain Nshimiyimana Emmanuel delivered a cross into the box, where Atisso’s header found Muderi Akbar, who finished clinically to give Rayon Sports the lead.
Jamus SC continued to control possession but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities as Rayon Sports maintained a disciplined defensive shape.
The first half ended with Rayon Sports leading 1-0.
Jamus SC coach Saber Ben Jabria introduced three changes at the start of the second half in search of an equaliser, but the move opened more spaces for Rayon Sports to exploit.
The Rwandan side doubled their advantage in the 57th minute after Issa Djiguiba created a dangerous move before Ibrahim Mansouru Djingarey found the back of the net to make it 2-0.
Jamus SC responded in the 70th minute when Malian striker Bandjouhou Diallo capitalised on a defensive lapse to reduce the deficit and give his team hope of a comeback.
However, Rayon Sports sealed qualification in the 86th minute through Tambwe Gloire, whose strike made it 3-1 and sparked celebrations among the club’s supporters at Kigali Pele Stadium.
In the other semi-final, Gor Mahia reached the final after defeating Sudanese side Al Hilal SC Omdurman 8-7 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Gor Mahia took the lead through an own goal in the 34th minute before Al Hilal equalised through Ansumana Samura shortly before halftime. The Kenyan side survived extra time with 10 players after Jackson Dwang received a red card late in the match before winning the penalty shootout.
Gor Mahia last reached the CECAFA Kagame Cup final in 2015, while their most recent regional title came in 1985.
The CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026 final between Rayon Sports and Gor Mahia will be played on Friday, August 7, at Amahoro Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00pm.
The third-place playoff will see Jamus SC face Al Hilal SC earlier the same day at 3:00pm.
Rayon Sports and Gor Mahia last met on July 18, 2026, during Rayon Sports’ “Rayon Day” celebrations, when the Rwandan club secured a 2-0 victory.
