Rayon Sports FC have been crowned champions of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup following a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Kenyan powerhouse Gor Mahia before a packed home crowd at the Amahoro National Stadium.
The triumph marks the Rwandan side’s second regional title, their first since 1998, when they defeated Zanzibar’s Mlandege 2-1 in the final. and their very first under the tournament’s current branding, established in 2002 after President Paul Kagame became its official patron.
Rayon players celebrate, courtesy photo
Rayon took early control of the final, heading into halftime with a 2-1 lead. Cameroonian forward Junior Kameni opened the scoring for the Blues, before Daniel Muhoza doubled the advantage.
Gor Mahia, three-time champions of the regional tournament (1980, 1981, 1985), pulled a goal back to set up a tense finish, but a buoyant Rayon defense held firm through extra time to secure the historical trophy.
The victory caps a remarkable campaign for a revamped Rayon squad managed by coach Burundi experienced coach Francis Haringingo. The club also dominated the tournament’s individual accolades:
Player of the Tournament award went to Emmanuel Nshimiyimana, Dande Junior was named the best Goalkeeper, he conceded just two goals throughout the entire competition. Shared between Samura and Ouattara shared the top scorer Award, and Francis Haringingo was named the head coach of the tourney.
In the third-place playoff earlier in the day, Sudanese giants Al Hilal secured the bronze medal with a 2-1 win over Jamus FC from South Sudan.
Second-half goals from Ansumana Samura, a Sierra Leonean (54′) and Omer Abdelraheem (68′) put Al Hilal in command before Simon Majak netted a late consolation goal for Jamus in stoppage time (90+1′).
The tournament brought together 12 clubs from East and Central Africa, divided into three groups. The group winners and the best second-placed team advanced to the semifinals.
Rwanda was represented by Rayon Sports and league champions APR FC.
