PHOTOS: Rayon see off Jamus to reach first CECAFA Kagame Cup final

Rayon Sports booked their place in the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final after a commanding 3-1 victory over South Sudan's Jamus SC in Tuesday's semifinal at Kigali Pele Stadium. The Blues will face Kenyan giants Gor Mahia in Friday's final at Amahoro Stadium as they chase their second CECAFA Club title, their first since President Paul Kagame started to sponsor it in 2002. Rayon Sports produced a disciplined and clinical performance to overcome a Jamus side that dominated possession for long spells but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. The hosts took the lead in the 16th minute through Akbar Muderi, who capped a superb team move. The midfielder started the attack with a pass to Emmanuel Kabange Nshimiyimana before receiving a clever return ball inside the penalty area and calmly slotting home to give Rayon a deserved advantage. Despite conceding early, Jamus controlled much of the first-half possession but found it difficult to break down Rayon's well-organised defence. Coach Francis Haringingo's side remained compact, closing down both central and wide areas while forcing the South Sudanese outfit to move the ball without creating clear-cut chances. Whenever they lost possession, the Blues dropped into a disciplined low block that denied Jamus space in and around the penalty area. Although Jamus enjoyed more of the ball, Rayon looked far more dangerous on the counterattack. Their quick transitions and direct approach repeatedly exposed gaps behind the visitors' high defensive line. Rayon nearly doubled their lead in the 37th minute when Antonio Atisso Kodjo found himself in a promising position, but the forward failed to convert. The Blues went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead thanks to their defensive resilience and efficiency in attack. Rayon started the second half brightly, pressing aggressively and creating two good chances within the opening 10 minutes. Elie Tatou Iradukunda was at the heart of several attacking moves but was unable to add his name to the scoresheet. The pressure finally paid off in the 56th minute when 19-year-old midfielder Ibrahim Djingarey calmly finished to double Rayon's advantage and send the home supporters into celebration. Jamus refused to surrender and pulled one back in the 69th minute. Defender Didier Nshuti failed to deal with a loose ball, allowing Bandiougou Diallo to capitalise with a delicate lob over goalkeeper Dande Junior to reignite the contest. However, Rayon remained composed and regained control of the match, limiting Jamus to few meaningful opportunities as their defensive organisation once again proved decisive. Substitute Gloire Tambwe sealed the victory in the 86th minute with a clinical finish, making it 3-1 and sparking celebrations among the home fans. Rayon Sports will now shift their focus to Friday's blockbuster final against Gor Mahia, who edged Sudan's Al Hilal 8-7 on penalties after the teams played out a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the other semifinal. The final will mark Rayon's second appearance in a CECAFA Club Championship final. Their only previous final came in Zanzibar in 1998, when they defeated Mlandege 2-1 to lift the regional title.