Rayon Sports hold Kiyovu Sports to book CAF Confederation Cup spot

Rayon Sports booked their place in the 2026-27 CAF Confederation Cup after holding rivals Kiyovu Sports to a 1-1 draw on the final day of the Rwanda Premier League season at Kigali Pele Stadium.

The highly anticipated encounter carried significant importance beyond the three points at stake, as both teams were battling for the league’s second continental qualification spot.

Rayon Sports entered the match with 55 points and needed only a draw to secure qualification, while Kiyovu Sports, on 52 points, required victory to leapfrog their rivals and claim the ticket to Africa’s second-tier club competition.

The showdown began at a high tempo, with both sides creating opportunities in the opening stages.

Rayon Sports came close through striker Ndikumana Asman, whose header from a well-worked move involving Tony Kitoga and Emmanuel Nshimiyimana "Kabange" was comfortably collected by goalkeeper James Desire.

Kiyovu Sports responded moments later when Moise Sandja Bulaya rattled the woodwork with a powerful effort.

Rayon Sports eventually broke the deadlock in the 37th minute.

Mugisha Didier produced an excellent run into the penalty area before delivering a precise cross that found Tony Kitoga, who calmly slotted home to give the Blues a deserved 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

Kiyovu Sports returned from the break with renewed determination and increased attacking pressure.

Despite creating several promising chances, they struggled to break down a disciplined Rayon Sports defense led by experienced goalkeeper Kwizera Olivier.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 82nd minute when Nsanzimfura Keddy converted a free-kick from outside the box.

The effort slipped through the hands of Kwizera Olivier and into the net, leveling the scores at 1-1 and setting up a tense finish.

Before the final whistle,  both teams chased a winning goal.

Ndikumana Asman was denied by James Desire, while Moise Sandja Bulaya missed a clear chance for Kiyovu Sports.

The final whistle confirmed Rayon Sports' qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup after finishing fourth in the league standings with 56 points.

Kiyovu Sports ended the campaign in fifth place with 53 points, narrowly missing out on a return to continental football for the first time since 2012.

Rayon Sports, famous for reaching the quarter-finals of the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup, will once again represent Rwanda in Africa after securing qualification following a competitive 2025-26 league campaign.

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