Rayon Sports’ goal scorer Daniel Muhoza (right) celebrates with his teammate Herman Junior Kameni, who scored the opening goal, after scoring the second as they beat Gor Mahia 2-1 to win the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, August 7. Photo Courtesy
Rayon Sports are the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup champions after edging Kenyan champions Gor Mahia 2-1 after extra time in a thrilling final at Amahoro Stadium on Friday.
The Blues reached the final after an impressive unbeaten run throughout the regional competition.
The triumph ended a 28-year wait for regional glory. Rayon Sports last won the CECAFA title in 1998 when they defeated Tanzania's Mlandege FC 2-1 in the final. Nearly three decades later, the Kigali giants reclaimed the trophy in front of a packed home crowd at Amahoro Stadium.
The final finished 1-1 after regulation time before the match went into extra time. Youngster Daniel Muhoza scored the decisive goal with a spectacular overhead kick to hand Rayon Sports their long-awaited regional crown.
The New Times photographer Kellya Keza captured the defining moments of the historic final.
Rayon Sports goal scorer Herman Junior Kameni celebrates after scoring in the 27th minute. Photos by Kellya Keza.
DJ Ira was on duty to entertain football fans at the stadium.
The 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final between Rayon Sports and Gor Mahia was attended by thousands of fans.
Rayon Sports fans during the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final at Amahoro Stadium.
Rwanda marked National Harvest Day, known as Umuganura, on the day of the match. Pictured is a Rayon Sports fan carrying a locally made wooden plate "imbehe" bearing the message, "We will share our Umuganura with you, home visitors,” during the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final at Amahoro Stadium.
Home supporters during the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final at Amahoro Stadium.
The 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final was played in a fully packed Amahoro Stadium.
Supporters cheer for their team during the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, August 7
Rayon Sports captain Emmanuel Nshimiyimana aka Kabange dribbles past Gor Mahia defender during the game.
Rayon Sports goal scorer Herman Junior Kameni celebrates after scoring in the 27th minute. Photos by Kellya Keza.
The Blues fans celebrate the first goal in the 27th minute.
Rayon Sports ended a 28-year wait for regional glory after winning the CECAFA Kagame Cup on Friday, August 7.
Players celebrate the opening goal by Herman Junior Kameni during the first half.
Rayon Sports fans display a handwritten message thanking President Paul Kagame for his support as they cheer for their team during the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, August 7. Rayon Sports defeated Kenya’s Gor Mahia 2-1 to lift the regional title. Courtesy of RBA
The Blues players celebrate the opening goal by Herman Junior Kameni in the 27th minute of the game. Courtesy
Rayon Sports captain Emmanuel Nshimiyimana also known as Kabange dribbles past Gor Mahia defender during the game.
Rayon Sports player Herman Junior Kameni tries to dribble past Gor Mahia defender. The Blues beat Kenya's Gor Mahia 2-1 in a thrilling final, with teenage player Daniel Muhoza, 19, emerging as the hero with a spectacular late winner at Amahoro Stadium.
Rayon Sports head coach Francis Haringingo communicates to his players during the final.
Fans backing their side during the game.
Rayon Sports player Herman Junior Kameni vies for the ball with Gor Mahia's player during the second half.
The Blues reached the final after an impressive unbeaten run throughout the regional competition.
Players celebrate the winning goal by Daniel Muhoza. The 19-year-old produced a moment of extraordinary technique, launching himself into the air and executing a stunning overhead kick that sailed beyond the helpless goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Rayon Sports goal scorer youngster Daniel Muhoza (right) and his teammate who scored the first goal Herman Junior Kameni, celebrate the second goal as they beat Gor Mahia 2-1 to win the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, August 7.
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire and other officials at the stadium. Courtesy
Rayon Sports ended a 28-year wait for regional glory after winning the CECAFA Kagame Cup on Friday, August 7.
Rayon Sports player Herman Junior Kameni tries to dribble past Gor Mahia defender. The Blues beat Kenya's Gor Mahia 2-1 in a thrilling final, with teenage player Daniel Muhoza, 19, emerging as the hero with a spectacular late winner at Amahoro Stadium.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan interacts with Gor Mahia players during the game.
The triumph ended a 28-year wait for regional glory. Rayon Sports last won the CECAFA title in 1998 when they defeated Tanzania's Mlandege FC 2-1 in the final.
The Blues beat Kenya's Gor Mahia 2-1 in a thrilling final, with teenage player Daniel Muhoza, 19, emerging as the hero with a spectacular late winner at Amahoro Stadium.
Fans cheer for their team during the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, August 7
Rayon Sports ended a 28-year wait for regional glory after winning the CECAFA Kagame Cup on Friday, August 7.
Former Amavubi Captain Haruna Niyonzima
Minister Mukazayire and other officials award medals to the referees of the match.
Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire awards Rayon Sports goalkeeper as the best goalkeeper of the competition.
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva presided over the trophy presentation ceremony. Courtesy
The Blues fans in celebration of the victory. Courtesy
Rayon Sports players and staff thank their supporters.
Thousands of supporters attended the game.
Rayon Sports goalkeeper and teammates pose for a photo.
Rayon Sports celebrate the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup title after edging Kenyan champions Gor Mahia 2-1 at Amahoro Stadium on Friday. Photos by Kellya Keza