Rayon Sports stand on the brink of history as they prepare to face Kenyan champions Gor Mahia in the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final at Amahoro Stadium on Friday.

After an impressive unbeaten campaign, capped by Tuesday's 2-1 semifinal victory over South Sudan's Jamus SC, the Blues are just one win away from ending a 28-year wait for regional glory.

Rayon last lifted the CECAFA title in 1998, defeating Tanzania's Mlandege FC 2-1 in the final. Nearly three decades later, the Kigali giants have another opportunity to reclaim the crown—this time in front of their home supporters.

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For members of the victorious 1998 squad, the prospect of seeing Rayon Sports crowned champions once again is especially meaningful.

Former midfielder Billy Mbusa Kombi, who featured in that historic triumph, recalled the pride of winning the title and expressed confidence in the current team.

"It was a very special moment for us and for the whole club. We are happy to see Rayon Sports reaching this stage again, and our prayers are with the team to win the trophy once more," Mbusa told Weekend Sport.

Mbusa and Zappy Mola scored the goals that secured Rayon&039;s famous victory over Mlandege in Zanzibar.

Mola believes the current squad must adopt the same winning mentality if they are to lift the trophy.

"Winning the CECAFA Cup was a privilege for us, but it came because we had the mindset of champions. The current players need to have that same mentality if they want to lift the trophy," he said.

Reflecting on the success of the 1998 side, he added, "We had a strong squad that had been together for a long time. We understood each other well, and that chemistry helped us build a team capable of winning the CECAFA title."

New-look Rayon making a statement

Rayon Sports have won all four of their matches in this year's tournament, conceding just one goal during their run to the final.

Long-time supporter and former team manager Gérard Migambi believes the club's recent recruitment has transformed the team.

"A lot of credit goes to the committee for laying the foundation of a strong team. The recruitment has been excellent, and they brought in quality players who have made a big difference. I believe this team can lift the trophy," Migambi said.

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Few predicted that Rayon Sports would reach the final after several inconsistent seasons, but the club&039;s revamped recruitment strategy has quickly changed perceptions since the appointment of Belgian Dylan Lienart as technical director in May.

New signings Antonio Kossivi Atisso Kodjo, Elie Tatou Iradukunda, Dande Junior, Ibrahim Djingarey and Junior Kameni have all made an immediate impact, playing key roles in the club's remarkable run.

More than just one final

Former Rayon Sports goalkeeper Eugene Eric Murangwa described the club's return to the CECAFA final as a major milestone after years of rebuilding.

"Reaching the CECAFA Kagame Cup final for the first time in 28 years is a significant milestone for Rayon Sports. It is not only a reflection of the team's performances on the pitch, but also a clear indication that the club is moving in the right direction after years of turbulence and the recent rebuilding process," Murangwa said.

"This achievement should inspire everyone associated with Rayon Sports—players, coaches, management and supporters—to believe once again that sustained success is possible."

While he hopes Rayon reclaim the trophy, Murangwa stressed that the club's long-term ambitions extend beyond Friday's final.

"The immediate objective is to finish the job and make sure the trophy stays at home, just as the club did in 1998. However, whether Rayon Sports wins the trophy or not, this should not be seen as the final destination," he said.

"The broader mission of re-establishing the club at the summit of Rwandan and regional football must continue with patience, stability and a long-term vision."

One final step

Head coach Francis Christian Haringingo has praised his players for maintaining a perfect record throughout the tournament but insists their work is not yet complete.

"The players have shown great commitment and character throughout the competition," the Burundian tactician said.

"We are happy to be in the final, but our objective is now to win the trophy. This tournament has also provided good preparation ahead of the new season, and we want to finish it on a high."

Friday's final promises an intriguing battle of contrasting strengths.

Rayon Sports may start as slight favourites thanks to their unbeaten run, defensive record, and passionate home support. However, Gor Mahia's hard-fought victory over Al Hilal serves as a reminder that the final is unlikely to be straightforward.

With thousands of Rayon Sports supporters expected to fill Amahoro Stadium, the Blues have a golden opportunity to end a 28-year wait and write another unforgettable chapter in the club's history.

If Haringingo's men can maintain the defensive discipline that has defined their campaign and capitalize on their chances in front of goal, Friday could finally be the night that Rayon Sports end their 28-year CECAFA Cup drought.

Adding further incentive, the tournament winners will receive US$30,000, while the runners-up will earn US$20,000. The third-placed team will take home US$10,000.

For Rayon Sports, however, the biggest prize is not financial. It is the chance to win what would their first trophy since President Paul Kagame started sponsoring the tournament in 2002.