Forty-one years after lifting their last CECAFA Kagame Cup title, Gor Mahia have another opportunity to reclaim regional supremacy when they face Rwandan giants Rayon Sports in the 2026 final at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, 7 August. The eagerly anticipated showdown brings together two of East Africa’s most successful clubs, each chasing the end of a lengthy wait for regional glory.
Gor Mahia are targeting a fourth Kagame Cup title and their first since 1985, while Rayon Sports are seeking a second crown and their first in 28 years. The final marks Gor Mahia’s return to the championship match for the first time since their triumphant 1985 campaign, highlighting the progress made by Charles Akonnor’s side during the tournament. K’Ogalo booked their place in the final after navigating a demanding route against some of the region’s strongest opponents. They opened their campaign with an emphatic 5-0 victory over APR before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ugandan champions Vipers SC. The defending league champions responded with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine to secure a semi-final berth before eliminating Sudanese giants Al Hilal 8-7 on penalties following a tightly contested encounter.
Speaking ahead of the final, head coach Akonnor said the quality of opposition Gor Mahia have faced has prepared the team well for the decisive fixture.”We have faced quality teams that have given us a good edge in our preparations. Throughout our journey to the final, we have played strong opponents, and the team has shown great character. I am always hungry as a coach, and I never want to lose. It will be a difficult match, but if we play smart and have a bit of luck on our side, I believe we can carry the day,” Akonnor said during the pre-match press conference.
Assistant captain Michael Kibwage believes playing in front of Rayon’s home supporters will provide extra motivation for Gor Mahia rather than intimidate the squad. “We have worked hard because it has not been easy. We came through one of the toughest groups in the tournament and emerged stronger. We know Rayon Sports will have the support of their fans and they will not want to disappoint them. For us, that is extra motivation because big players thrive on big occasions and we are ready for the challenge,” Kibwage said.
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Rayon Sports have been one of the tournament’s standout performers and head into the final with a perfect record. Gor Mahia land nightmare draw in CAF Champions League against 2025 champions. The Rwandan side began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over KVZ before registering identical 1-0 wins against Tusker FC and Al Hilal to finish top of their group with maximum points. Their impressive run continued in the semi-finals where they defeated South Sudan’s Jamus SC 3-1 to book a place in the final in front of their home supporters.
Friday’s encounter also presents an opportunity for both clubs to end long trophy droughts in the regional competition. Gor Mahia remain among the most successful teams in CECAFA Kagame Cup history, having won the title three times in 1976, 1979 and 1985. However, despite consistently featuring in the tournament over the years, they have not returned to the summit since their last triumph four decades ago.
Rayon, on the other hand, are chasing only their second regional title after lifting the trophy in 1998. Since then, the Kigali-based club has fallen short of adding to its success and will be determined to end a 28-year wait in front of a partisan home crowd. With both clubs seeking to end decades-long waits for regional glory, Friday’s final promises to be a fiercely contested affair. Gor Mahia will be looking to restore their status as East African champions, while Rayon Sports will aim to cap an unbeaten campaign with a long-awaited Kagame Cup triumph.