Rayon Sports beat Gor Mahia to end six-year wait for Rayon Day victory (Photos)

Rayon Sports ended a six-year wait for a Rayon Day victory after defeating Kenyan giants Gor Mahia 2-0 in an entertaining preseason friendly at a packed Kigali Pelé Stadium on Saturday, giving their supporters every reason to believe the club is ready to challenge for silverware in the 2026-27 season.

Goals from Beninese forward Antonio Atisso Kodjo (45’) and substitute Ndikumana Fabio (90+5) capped an encouraging display from Francis Haringingo’s newly assembled squad during the annual Rayon Day (Umunsi w’Igikundiro) celebrations, where the club officially unveiled its men’s and women’s teams, new signings, technical staff and ambitions for the upcoming campaign.

Rayon Day has become one of Rwanda’s biggest football events since its introduction in 2019, serving as the official curtain-raiser to the new season.

The day brings together thousands of supporters to celebrate the club’s history while introducing new players, jerseys, sponsors and objectives before a high-profile friendly match.

Rayon Sports enjoyed success in the inaugural edition by beating Gasogi United 3-1, but the event was suspended in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since returning, Gikundiro had suffered five consecutive defeats on their special day, losing to Kiyovu Sports in 2021, Vipers SC in 2022, Kenya Police FC in 2023, Azam FC in 2024 and Young Africans (Yanga SC) in 2025.

Those disappointing results made Saturday’s victory over East African heavyweights Gor Mahia even more significant, ending a frustrating run and handing Rayon Sports only their second Rayon Day triumph.

Backed by a vibrant crowd that filled Kigali Pelé Stadium, Rayon Sports made a bright start and almost opened the scoring inside four minutes when Central African Republic striker Boris Gbenou struck the crossbar after a flowing attacking move.

Midfielder Muderi Akbar also tested Gor Mahia goalkeeper Bryne Omondi as the Rwandan side dominated the opening exchanges.

Gor Mahia gradually settled into the contest and created several promising moments, but Rayon Sports remained the more threatening side.

Their persistence paid off deep into first-half stoppage time when Nizeyimana Mubarak delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area.

Omondi failed to deal with the cross, allowing Antonio Atisso Kodjo to pounce and slot home the opening goal.

Haringingo made several changes after the restart, giving supporters a first look at many of the club's new arrivals.

The substitutions did little to disrupt Rayon Sports’ rhythm as Iradukunda Elie Tatou twice came close to extending the lead while Gor Mahia struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.

The Kenyan champions increased the pressure midway through the second half with a series of corner kicks, but Cameroonian goalkeeper Drissa Kouyaté, introduced after halftime, remained composed and marshalled his defence confidently.

Gor Mahia came agonisingly close to an equaliser in stoppage time when Paul Okoth’s powerful effort struck the crossbar before bouncing away to safety.

That proved to be the visitors’ final chance.

Moments later, substitute Junior Herman Kameni produced the decisive moment of the match.

The Cameroonian forward drove purposefully through the Gor Mahia defence before threading a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Ndikumana Fabio, who calmly finished beyond Omondi to seal a deserved 2-0 victory.

Beyond the scoreline, several new signings impressed.

Chadian defender Charles Tchouplaou delivered an assured performance at the heart of defence, Malian midfielder Issa Djiguiba showed composure and intelligence in midfield, while teenage forward Muhoza Daniel, signed from second-division side Etoile de l’Est, caught the eye with an energetic cameo that hinted at a bright future.

Rayon Sports head coach Francis Haringingo named the following starting lineup: Dande Junior; Nshimiyimana Emmanuel, Elie Ganijuru, Charles Tchouplaou and Matumona Wakonda; Ibrahim Djingarey, Muderi Akbar and Issa Djiguiba; Nizeyimana Mubarak, Antonio Atisso Kodjo and Boris Gbenou.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor started with Bryne Omondi; Paul Ochuoga, Mike Evans Kibwage, Sylvester Owino and Bryton Onyona; Lawrence Juma, Alpha Onyango and Jackson Dwang; Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw, Ben Stanley Omondi and Hansel Ochieng.

Attention now turns to the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, where Rayon Sports will open their campaign against KVZ of Zanzibar at Amahoro Stadium on July 26.

Photos