Rayon Sports edge Gor Mahia to end 28-year CECAFA trophy drought (Photos)

Rayon Sports ended a 28-year wait for the CECAFA Kagame Cup on Friday, defeating Kenya’s Gor Mahia 2-1 after extra time in a dramatic final at a packed Amahoro Stadium.

The Rwandan club, who last won the regional competition in 1998, secured their second title after a tense contest in which all three goals came at crucial moments.

The Blue Sky of Kigali, took the lead in the 29th minute through Herman Junior Kameni.

Nshimiyimana Emmanuel ‘Kabange’ played the ball into the penalty area, and after Gor Mahia failed to clear, Kameni reacted quickly to put the hosts ahead.

Gor Mahia had enjoyed periods of pressure early in the match but struggled to convert their opportunities. Rayon Sports went into the interval with a 1-0 advantage.

The Kenyan side responded strongly after the restart and drew level in the 54th minute.

Sabuni Odhiambo Sharriff controlled a long ball before advancing into the penalty area, beating Nshuti Didier and firing a powerful shot beyond goalkeeper Dande Junior.

Gor Mahia then pushed for a second goal and created several opportunities, with Alpha Chris Onyango going close.

Rayon Sports also threatened, with Junior Kameni seeing a header saved by goalkeeper Bryne Omondi Odhiambo.

Neither side could find a winner during the remaining 90 minutes, sending the final into extra time.

Rayon Sports struck again shortly after the restart of extra time.

In the 96th minute, Muhoza Daniel produced the decisive moment, scoring to restore the Rwandan side's lead and send the Amahoro crowd into wild celebrations.

Gor Mahia pressed for an equaliser during the closing stages, but Rayon Sports held firm despite a late spell of pressure.

The match ended at 120+4 minutes, confirming Rayon Sports as CECAFA Kagame Cup champions.

The victory marked Rayon Sports’ first CECAFA Kagame Cup triumph since 1998, when the competition was held in Zanzibar.

They also became the first Rwandan club to win the tournament on home soil.

APR FC had previously won the competition in 2004, 2007 and 2010, while ATRACO FC were Rwanda's other winners, triumphing in Sudan in 2009.

Rayon Sports’ success was further recognised with three individual honours.

The club won the fair-play award, Nshimiyimana Emmanuel ‘Kabange’ was named Player of the Tournament and goalkeeper Dande Junior received the goalkeeper award.

Rayon Sports collected $30,000 in prize money, while runners-up Gor Mahia received $20,000 and third-placed Al-Hilal SC earned $10,000.

Photos