The Republican Guard (RG) successfully defended its RDF Liberation Tournament football title after defeating Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) Nasho 3-0 in the men’s final played on Saturday, July 4, as Rwanda celebrated the 32nd anniversary of Liberation Day.
Captained by Ian Kagame, the Republican Guard delivered a commanding performance at Kigali Pele Stadium to retain the annual trophy contested by teams representing different formations of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
The final was officially kicked off by Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda, Minister of State for Sports Rwego Ngarambe, and other senior military and security officials.
RG made a flying start, taking a two-goal lead within the opening 15 minutes. Olivier Sibomana opened the scoring before Mike Shema doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after Jean Claude Ishimwe was fouled inside the box.
Ishimwe, who had scored the winning goal in RG’s semifinal victory over Rwanda Military Academy (RMA) Gako, once again played a decisive role in the team’s success.
BMTC Nasho responded well after conceding twice, enjoying more possession and creating several chances, but failed to break through RG’s disciplined defence before halftime.
The pressure continued after the break, but RG remained solid at the back, with captain Ian Kagame helping organise the defence alongside Claude Nsengiyumva, who came on as a second-half substitute for the injured Olivier Niyonsenga.
RG sealed the victory when Ishimwe delivered an accurate cross from the right that found Mike Shema, who headed home his second goal of the match to complete a convincing 3-0 win.
The victory secured a second consecutive RDF Liberation Tournament title for the Republican Guard, with Ian Kagame once again lifting the trophy as captain.
Among those in attendance were Ian Kagame’s siblings Ivan Cyomoro Kagame, Ange Kagame and Brian Kagame, as well as his brother-in-law Bertrand Ndengeyingoma.
In the women’s football competition, Military Health Service (MHS) defeated Military Police Brigade 2-1 to lift the title in the curtain-raiser played at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Task Force Division finished third in the men’s competition, while Rwanda Military Academy Gako claimed third place in the women’s category.
The RDF Liberation Tournament also featured volleyball and basketball competitions.
In volleyball, Special Operations Force (SOF) defeated Engineering Command to win the title, while the Republican Guard finished third.
In basketball, BMTC Nasho claimed the championship after defeating 6 Air Group of the Rwanda Air Force (RAF), with Rwanda Military Academy Gako finishing third.
Champions in volleyball, basketball and women’s football received gold medals and RWF 5 million. The runners-up earned silver medals and RWF 3 million, while third-place teams received bronze medals and RWF 1.5 million.
In the men’s football competition, the champions received gold medals and RWF 10 million, the runners-up were awarded silver medals and RWF 7 million, while the third-placed team took home bronze medals and RWF 5 million.
The finals were attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, Rwanda Correctional Service Commissioner General Evariste Murenzi, Rwanda Broadcasting Agency Director General Cléophas Barore, FERWAFA President Fabrice Shema Ngoga, and other senior government, military and security officials.
