Gor Mahia’s 41-year wait goes on after agonising Kagame Cup final defeat to Rayon Sports - SportPesa Blog

Gor Mahia’s quest for a first regional crown since 1985 came to a heartbreaking end on Friday evening as home side Rayon Sports secured a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory in the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final at a packed Amahoro Stadium.

The defeat leaves K’Ogalo extending their 41-year tournament drought, while Rayon Sports claimed the $30,000 grand prize provided by President Paul Kagame, preserving a perfect 100% winning record to lift their second regional title and first in 28 years.

Head Coach Charles Akonnor made three changes to the starting lineup that defeated Al Hilal. Alpha Onyango returned from suspension, Paul Ochuoga came in at right-back – shifting Daniel Sakari to the left – and Ebenezer Adukwaw started on the right wing in place of David Okoth.

Rayon Sports threatened first when Charles Tchouplaiou’s free kick was tipped over the bar for a corner by Byrne Omondi.

Gor Mahia created their first meaningful chance in the 15th minute, but Shariff Musa’s effort from the left sailed just over the crossbar.

Rayon Sports defensive midfielder Muderi Akbar registered the match’s first shot on target, testing Omondi with a long-range strike that the goalkeeper calmly saved.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. Rayon captain Emmanuel Nshiyimana drifted down the right, beat his marker, and delivered a pinpoint cutback. Djiguiba got a touch on it before Herman Junior guided it into the net with the slightest of finishes.

🟢 I MATCH RESULTS FT: Gor Mahia 1 – 2 Rayon Sport Fought to the last whistle but it wasn't our night. #Sirkal | #SportPesaNaGor pic.twitter.com/iBmylHIYPk

Gor’s first shot on target arrived in the 38th minute when Enock Machaka dispossessed Ibrahim Mansouru and unleashed a long-range strike, which Dande Junior parried away.

Gor Mahia made a triple substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Ebenezer Assifuah, Ben Stanley Omondi, and Bryton Onyona for Paul Ochuoga, David Okoth, and Ebenezer Adukwaw.

K’Ogalo equalized in the 54th minute. A searching long ball from Frank Odhiambo was controlled brilliantly by Shariff Musa, who turned two defenders inside out before slotting the ball into the bottom left corner.

Rayon nearly reclaimed the lead in the 73rd minute when a left-footed cross from Ganijuru Ishimwe found Kameni on the edge of the box, but his header was saved by Byrne Omondi.

K’Ogalo responded immediately as Shariff Musa dribbled past his marker and set up Alpha Onyango on the edge of the box, though his shot flew over the bar.

Rayon would eventually regain their lead with a spectacular strike in the 101st minute, second half substitute Dennis Muhooza studied the looped ball over Gor Mahia defense before hitting a sublime scorpion kick with the hosts holding on to secure the big win.