Cricket: Kenya dethrone Uganda to win ILT20 Continent Cup in Kigali (Photos)

Kenya ended Uganda’s reign as ILT20 Continent Cup champions after beating the defending holders by 39 runs in the final at Gahanga Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Kenya posted 170 for seven in their 20 overs before bowling Uganda out for 131 in 17.5 overs to claim the title and complete an impressive campaign in Kigali.

Dhiren Gondaria led Kenya’s batting effort with 44 from 32 balls, while Brian Likavu struck 41 off 21 and Sachin Gill added 22 off 28 as Kenya established a competitive total.

Uganda’s chase was led by Riazat Ali Shah, who scored 53 from 33 deliveries, but Kenya's bowling attack kept the Cricket Cranes under pressure and eventually dismissed them for 131.

The victory capped a strong tournament for Kenya, who also overcame Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Botswana during their run to the trophy.

The result also brought an end to Uganda’s successful spell as champions.

Uganda won the inaugural edition in Nairobi in 2023 before retaining the title in Kigali in 2024.

The competition was not held in 2025.

Kenya had already shown their title credentials earlier in the tournament when they defeated Uganda by eight wickets in a league encounter.

Gondaria played a decisive role in that victory, smashing 94 from 47 balls as Kenya chased Uganda’s 189 for six with 193 for two in 16.4 overs.

Gondaria’s consistency continued throughout the competition, earning him the tournament's Most Valuable Player award.

He finished with 748 runs from seven matches, along with three wickets and five catches.

Uganda nevertheless collected two major individual awards.

Joseph Baguma was named the tournament’s best bowler after taking 17 wickets at an economy rate of 5.19, while Gerald Olipa was recognised as the best batter after scoring 375 runs.

Rwanda, the tournament provided another opportunity to compete against established regional sides and host a major continental cricket event.

The hosts finished third with eight points, behind champions Kenya and runners-up Uganda, while Botswana and Sierra Leone completed the final standings.

Uganda had entered the competition as defending champions and made a strong start, including a 114-run victory over Sierra Leone and a five-wicket win against Botswana.

They also defeated hosts Rwanda by 64 runs, with Anas Mirza Baig scoring 66 from 36 balls.

Uganda later secured their place in the final after beating Rwanda by 72 runs, with Robinson Obuya scoring an unbeaten 118 from 70 balls.

Rwanda Cricket Federation president Stephen Musaale praised the teams for their discipline, competition and unity throughout the tournament, while encouraging the visiting sides to return to Rwanda.

“We see discipline, good competition and unity,” Musaale said. “Rwanda is your home.”

The 2026 ILT20 Africa Continent Cup is being held in Kigali from 8 to 19 September, with all matches taking place at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium.

The tournament features five teams — Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana and Sierra Leone — competing across 21 matches.

The tournament highlighted Kigali’s growing role as a host venue for international cricket.

Photos