It was meant to be a celebration for Rayon Sports, but visitors Yanga SC turned the party into a statement of intent, running out 3–1 winners in front of a lively crowd at Stade Amahoro on Friday evening.
Rayon Sports could not have asked for a better start. Barely a minute into the game, a defensive blunder from Yanga’s Andambwile gifted the hosts an early lead. The ball was played back awkwardly towards goalkeeper Diarra and trickled into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
But the Tanzanian giants responded with composure and quality. They gradually took control of possession and began to test Rayon keeper Drissa Kouyate. In the 27th minute, a misplaced pass by Chadrack Bingi Belo allowed Yanga to pounce, with striker Boyeli firing past Kouyate to level the score.
The turnaround was complete just before half-time when Pacôme Zouzoua struck from distance in the 44th minute, catching Kouyate off guard to make it 2–1.
Rayon emerged from the break with renewed urgency, pinning Yanga deep in their half and creating several half-chances. Substitutes Sindi Paul Jesus and Tambwe Gloire injected pace and movement, but the visitors’ backline stood firm.
The killer blow came in the 92nd minute when Yanga’s captain Bakari Nondo Mwamnyeto rose highest to head in from a corner, sealing a convincing 3–1 victory.
The win handed Yanga SC the coveted Rayon Day Trophy, a symbol of pride for the home side but one that has now eluded them since 2019. Over the past five editions of the annual fixture, Rayon have failed to record a single win, a statistic that will concern head coach Afahmia Lotfi as the new season approaches.
Rayon Sports had used the event to unveil their 2025/26 squad, introduce new signings, and celebrate with fans through music and festivities. However, on the pitch, it was Yanga SC who made the loudest statement, proving once again why they are among East Africa’s elite clubs.
For Rayon, the defeat is another bitter reminder that glitz and glamour off the pitch must be matched with grit and precision on it. For Yanga, it was mission accomplished.
