Sunrise FC were crowned 2025/26 Second Division League champions after defeating Etoile de l’Est 2-1 in the final playoff match played on Saturday at Ngoma Stadium. The Nyagatare-based side secured promotion to the BK Pro League alongside Unity FC, who finished second despite being held to a frustrating goalless draw by Intare FC, the bottom-placed team in the playoff tournament. Heading into the final day, Sunrise FC led the standings with 10 points, followed by Unity FC with 9 and Etoile de l’Est with 7. With all three sides still in contention for the title, the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) prepared championship podiums at both Ngoma Stadium and Bugesera Stadium. Sunrise FC ultimately emerged victorious after edging archrivals Etoile de l’Est in an intense Eastern Province derby, a result that sealed the title for the club and ended Etoile’s hopes of either winning the championship or securing promotion to the top flight. Unity FC, meanwhile, earned promotion to the BK Pro League for the first time in the club’s history after their stalemate against Intare FC in Nyamata proved enough to secure second place. Sunrise FC dominated possession in the opening half and made their superiority count with two decisive goals. Kalu Daniel Ikpo opened the scoring in the sixth minute, capitalizing on a well-delivered free kick that caused confusion in the Etoile de l’Est defense. Joel Emmanuel equalized in the 21st minute, but Ikpo restored Sunrise’s lead in the 35th minute after dribbling past two defenders and calmly sending goalkeeper Bonheur Kabera the wrong way. In the other playoff fixture, a resilient Intare FC side held Unity FC to a 0-0 draw at Bugesera Stadium. Despite dropping points, Unity FC booked their place in the top tier after finishing second in the standings. The Second Division champions received a prize of Rwf25 million, while the runners-up took home Rwf20 million. Prize money was also awarded to the remaining top-eight teams, with the fifth-placed side earning Rwf11 million, sixth place receiving Rwf9 million, seventh place Rwf7 million, and eighth place Rwf5 million.
