Rayon Sports ushered in a new era in style, delighting their supporters with a 2-0 victory over Kenya's Gor Mahia on Rayon Day at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Saturday. The annual exhibition match offered fans their first look at head coach Francis Haringingo's revamped squad. Only Emmanuel Nshimiyimana and Elie Ganijuru retained their places from last season's starting XI, while the remaining starters were all new signings making their debut in Rayon Sports colours. Before kick-off, the club honoured supporters' groups that stood out during the 2025/26 season, recognising their unwavering backing and rallying them ahead of the new campaign. Rayon Sports made an energetic start and nearly opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Boris Gbenou's thunderous strike crashed against the crossbar following a well-worked team move. Akbar Muderi also forced an early save from Gor Mahia goalkeeper Omondi, while Mubarak Nizeyimana came close to capitalising on a defensive lapse. The hosts suffered an early blow in the 27th minute when Gbenou limped off injured and was replaced by Elie Tatou Iradukunda. Gor Mahia gradually settled into the contest and created several chances, but goalkeeper Dande Junior produced a series of important saves to keep Rayon Sports level, including an impressive stop to deny Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw. The breakthrough finally arrived in first-half stoppage time. Nizeyimana's dangerous delivery caused confusion inside the Gor Mahia penalty area, and after Omondi failed to deal with the ball, Atisso Kodjo reacted quickest to slot home in the 45 3rd minute. Haringingo made several changes at the break and continued to rotate his squad throughout the second half, giving most of his players an opportunity to impress. Tatou twice came close to extending Rayon Sports' lead after the restart, while Gor Mahia responded with sustained pressure, winning a succession of corner kicks. Their best opportunity came in stoppage time when Paul Okoth's effort crashed off the crossbar. Rayon Sports wrapped up the victory moments later. Substitute Herman Junior Kameni surged forward before picking out Ndikumana Fabio, who calmly slotted home to seal a 2-0 win in the 90 4th minute. The convincing performance gave Rayon Sports supporters plenty of reasons for optimism ahead of the new season. Tchad international defender Charles Tchouplaou impressed with a commanding display at the back, while goalscorer Atisso Kodjo, Guinean midfielder Issa Djiguiba, Kameni and youngster Daniel Muhoza also produced encouraging performances.
