Republican Guard (RG) fans celebrate the victory as their side won their fourth consecutive RDF Liberation Cup title after a narrow 1-0 victory over 3 Infantry Division (3ID) in the final held on Thursday, July 3. All photos by Craish Bahizi
The Republican Guard (RG) clinched their fourth consecutive RDF Liberation Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) in the final held on Thursday, July 3, at Kigali Pele Stadium.
The closely contested match was graced by top government and military officials, including Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda, RDF Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, and State Minister for Sports Rwego Ngarambe, among others.
The 2025 RDF Liberation Cup, which kicked off in April, featured a series of competitions across RDF deployment zones, including football, basketball, volleyball, and netball. Seventeen teams from various RDF units and formations took part, grouped into four pools. The tournament was conducted in accordance with national and international sports regulations.
Organized as part of activities marking Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day, the tournament concluded with the presentation of trophies, medals, and awards to the top-performing teams.
The New Times photographer Craish Bahizi captured some of the final's standout moments.
Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda, State Minister for Sports Rwego Ngarambe and RDF senior officers and other officials greet players before the game
State Minister for Sports Rwego Ngarambe greets Ian Kagame before the game
RG team captain Ian Kagame presenting his teammates to the Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda as he officially opened the game at Kigali Pele Stadium.
RDF senior officers greet players before the game
RG players and coaching staff pose for a photo at the game
The tournament was conducted in accordance with national and international sports regulations.
Republican Guard won their fourth Liberation Cup in football after defeating 3 Infantry Division 1-0 in the final on Thursday, July 3. Photos by Craish Bahizi
RG head coach gives instruction to the goal scorer during the second half
East African Force officers also watched the game.
The division maintained pressure and controlled possession early, but RG stood firm thanks to their perfect defending.
Players battle for the ball in the second half.
The tournament was conducted in accordance with national and international sports regulations.
The Final game was held at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Both sides boosted morale at the stadium. The tournament was conducted in accordance with national and international sports regulations.
The tournament was conducted in accordance with national and international sports regulations.
The coach chats to RG goalkeeper during the game.
Officers from Republican Guard unity supporting their side after scoring a goal
Players vie for the ball during the competition that was organized as part of activities marking Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day
The final held on Thursday, July 3, at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Republican Guard team captain Ian Kagame with the ball during the second half.
Goal scorer Pierre Ndagijimana vies for the ball with 3 Infantry Division (3ID) player.
The 2025 RDF Liberation Cup, which kicked off in April, featured a series of competitions across RDF deployment zones
Rwanda Defence Force's Army Band performing at the stadium
The competition is organized as part of activities marking Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day
The tournament was conducted in accordance with national and international sports regulations.
Pierre Ndagijimana scored the only goal of the match in the 60th minute
Republican Guard fans cheer to their players at the stadium.
Team skipper Ian Kagame (2nd R) and his teammates after beating 3 Infantry Division (3ID) 1-0 in the final held on Thursday, July 3, at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Skipper Ian Kagame and his teammates during the game
RG supporters cheer to the players at the game
Republican Guard players and staff celebrate the victory
Some of RG fans pose for a photo with the trophy at the stadium.
RG soldiers pose for a photo with a trophy
Players lift the trophy during the celebration of the victory at Kigali Pele Stadium.