PHOTOS: Rayon Sports suffer 2-0 defeat to Black Bulls in CAF Confederation Cup

Rayon Sports FC suffered a damaging 2-0 home defeat to Mozambique’s Black Bulls in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the 2026-27 CAF Confederation Cup at Amahoro Stadium on Saturday, October 17, leaving their hopes of reaching the group stage hanging in the balance.

Abdou Gueye headed Black Bulls in front in the 54th minute before Danilo Muze struck a second goal deep into stoppage time, giving the Mozambican visitors a significant advantage ahead of next Saturday’s return leg in Mozambique.

Rayon must now win by at least three goals in the second leg to overturn the deficit and progress without needing a penalty shootout.

Coach Francis Haringingo made few changes to his starting line-up, with Burundi-born Elie Eldinho Mokono making his first appearance for the Rwandan side.

Issa Djiguiba also started, while Tambwe Gloire and Atisso Kodjo operated on the flanks as Rayon looked to make an early breakthrough.

However, the hosts struggled to establish their passing rhythm in the opening stages, frequently surrendering possession and relying on long balls that allowed Black Bulls to remain organised.

Rayon gradually created opportunities as the first half progressed.

Ganijuru forced a difficult save from Black Bulls goalkeeper Jose Ventura in the 35th minute, while Djiguiba came close to breaking through shortly before the interval but was flagged offside.

At the other end, Rayon goalkeeper Dande Junior produced an important save in the 42nd minute to deny Martinho, with Black Bulls subsequently winning a series of corners.

Neither side found the breakthrough before half-time, with the score remaining 0-0.

The visitors returned from the interval with greater attacking intent and were rewarded nine minutes into the second half.

Gueye rose to head home from a free-kick delivered towards the corner area, putting Black Bulls ahead in the 54th minute.

The match also witnessed an unusual incident four minutes later when central referee Salisu Basheer of Nigeria was forced to leave the field after experiencing a problem.

Fourth official Aboubakar Abdullahi took over the refereeing duties.

Rayon pushed for an equaliser and came close in the 61st minute when Kameni Junior’s effort was stopped by Ventura, who diverted the ball behind for a corner.

Haringingo responded with substitutions, introducing Moise Sandja Bulaya, Muhoza Daniel and Ibrahim Djingarey as the hosts sought to increase their attacking threat.

The changes helped Rayon dominate possession during the final 15 minutes, but their pressure failed to produce a goal.

Ganijuru tested Ventura again in the 78th minute, only for the goalkeeper to turn his effort behind.

Rayon appeared set to leave Kigali with a narrow deficit until Black Bulls struck again in the closing moments.

After a defensive lapse left the hosts vulnerable, Muze capitalised, assessed Dande Junior's position and finished to make it 2-0.

The result revives memories of Rayon’s previous continental meeting with a Mozambican side, Costa do Sol, in the 2018 Confederation Cup.

Rayon won the home leg 3-0 and advanced after losing the return match 2-0, progressing 3-2 on aggregate.

That history offers a reminder that the tie is not decided, although this time the Rwandan club must produce its comeback away from home.

Black Bulls, who reached the Confederation Cup group stage on their debut in 2024, will now look to complete the job on home soil.

Rayon, meanwhile, face a difficult challenge on October 24 if they are to keep their continental campaign alive.

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