Friday, August 7 Third-place: Al Hilal vs Jamus FC — 3 pm Final: Rayon Sports vs Gor Mahia — 6 pm Gor Mahia will face Rayon Sports at Amahoro Stadium on Friday in a crunch final that will determine the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup champions. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm. The Kenyan champions are fully aware that Rayon Sports will enjoy massive support from the home crowd, but they are determined to turn the pressure into motivation as they chase regional glory. Both sides head into the final eager to end their long wait for the CECAFA Kagame Cup title after impressive campaigns that saw them progress from the group stage to the championship match. ALSO READ: Gor Mahia edge Al Hilal in shootouts to reach CECAFA Kagame Cup final Rayon Sports are making their first appearance in the final in 28 years, while Gor Mahia are chasing a fourth title in the competition, having last lifted the trophy 41 years ago. The two sides met recently during the 2026 Rayon Day celebrations, with the Blues claiming a 2-0 friendly victory over Gor Mahia at Kigali Pele Stadium on July 18. Three weeks later, they meet again, this time with the regional title at stake and both sides determined to end their lengthy wait for CECAFA Kagame Cup glory. Rayon Sports have enjoyed an impressive run en route to the final, with their supporters turning up in large numbers whenever the team has needed them. Speaking ahead of the encounter, Gor Mahia vice-captain Mike Kwibage admitted that their Rwandan opponents will have the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters, but insisted the atmosphere would inspire his team rather than intimidate them. “They are the host side, so they will definitely enjoy the home advantage and will want to impress their fans. It is always difficult to come away and beat such a team, but for us, that challenge gives us extra motivation,” Kwibage said. “I always believe that big players need big stages to perform. It's going to be a great atmosphere for us tomorrow.” ALSO READ: Rayon see off Jamus to reach first CECAFA Kagame Cup final Gor Mahia head coach Charles Kwablan also praised the work ethic of his counterpart, Francis Haringingo, but stressed that tactical discipline will determine who lifts the trophy. “Haringingo and his team have been very organized throughout the tournament and have made very few mistakes. However, we are focused on our own game and how we can break through their defensive lines,” Kwablan said. “It will be a difficult challenge, but my job is to find solutions.” “We are here to win; we want that trophy. We also know that we represent Kenya, so we are united as a nation and determined to deliver.” Gor Mahia’s road to the Kagame Cup final Gor Mahia began their campaign in emphatic fashion, sending a strong statement to the rest of the competition with a commanding 5-0 victory over hosts APR FC at Amahoro Stadium. However, their journey was far from straightforward. They suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Uganda's Vipers SC in their second group-stage match, leaving their hopes of reaching the semi-finals hanging in the balance. Determined to bounce back, K’Ogalo responded with a crucial 1-0 victory over Garde Républicaine to finish top of Group A with six points and secure their place in the last four. Their route to the final became considerably tougher in the knockout stage when they faced Sudanese powerhouse Al Hilal SC. The fiercely contested semi-final lived up to expectations, with both sides producing an intense battle for a place in the championship match. The two teams remained locked at 1-1 after extra time, sending the contest into a tense penalty shootout. Both sides matched each other kick for kick before Gor Mahia eventually prevailed 8-7 to book their place in the final. The victory set up a rematch with Rayon Sports, whom K’Ogalo faced in July during the Rwandan club's Rayon Day celebrations.
