Rayon Sports are through to their first CECAFA Kagame Cup final, ending a 28-year wait after defeating South Sudan’s Jamus FC 3-1 in a lively semi-final played at Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo, Kigali.
Roared on by a packed home crowd, the Blues made a bright start and were rewarded in the 17th minute when Akbar Mundeli fired home a superb opener to put the hosts ahead.
Rayon continued to control the game after the break, with Ibrahim Djingarey doubling the advantage in the 57th minute to put the Rwandan side firmly in command.
Jamus FC threatened a comeback when Bandiougou pulled one back in the 71st minute, setting up a tense finish. However, any hopes of a late fightback were ended deep into stoppage time as Gloire Tambwe sealed the victory with Rayon Sports’ third goal.
The win sends Rayon Sports into their first CECAFA Kagame Cup final since 1998, when they defeated Mlandege of Zanzibar to win Rwanda’s first-ever regional club title.
They will now face Kenya’s Gor Mahia in Friday’s final at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, where both the championship trophy and the winners’ prize of US$30,000 will be on the line.
Earlier in the day, Jamus FC will take on Sudan’s Al Hilal in the third-place play-off.
