Tusker FC's hopes of reaching the CECAFA Kagame Cup semi-finals came to an end after the Kenyan side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Rwanda Premier League outfit, Rayon Sports, in their second Group C match at Kigali Pelé Stadium.Antonio Kossivi Atisso Kodjo's first-half strike proved decisive as Rayon Sports secured back-to-back victories to strengthen their grip on a place in the last four, while Tusker remained rooted at the bottom of the group without a point following successive defeats.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsHaving opened their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Sudanese giants Al Hilal SC, the Brewers entered the contest knowing only victory would keep their semi-final ambitions alive. Rayon, on the other hand, arrived in high spirits after defeating KVZ 2-0 in their opening fixture and were equally determined to move closer to qualification.Tusker showed early intent and fashioned the first opportunity inside the opening ten minutes. ##NAJAVA_MECA_9868149##Harambee Stars midfielder Chris Erambo tried his luck from long range, but his effort drifted harmlessly wide.Rayon gradually settled into the contest and nearly broke the deadlock on the quarter-hour mark when Kodjo raced onto a through ball from Issa Djiguiba, only to lift his effort over the crossbar.The Kenyan giants responded positively and came within touching distance of the opener midway through the first half. Reigning Tusker Most Valuable Player (MVP) Fabian Adikiny reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area, but his low strike flashed agonisingly wide.Kenya eyes CECAFA Challenge Cup to usher in matches at Talanta StadiumRayon continued to threaten and almost found the breakthrough seven minutes before the break when Elie Tatou Iradukunda curled an effort narrowly off target from outside the area.Their persistence finally paid off on the stroke of half-time as Kodjo found the back of the net to hand the hosts a deserved 1-0 advantage heading into the interval.Tusker returned from the restart with renewed urgency in search of an equaliser. Defender John Otieno nearly restored parity after meeting Adikiny's inviting delivery, but his header sailed just over the crossbar.The Brewers continued to push forward, with new signing December Kisakah combining neatly with fellow recruit Victor Mbaoma before firing narrowly wide as Tusker intensified the pressure.Court slaps Shabana with Ksh2.2 million fineDespite their attacking intent, Rayon remained dangerous on the counterattack. Nshimiyimana Emmanuel came close to doubling the hosts' advantage, but his effort drifted wide of the target.Tusker threw more bodies forward in the closing stages, and experienced midfielder Steven Etyang also came close with a speculative effort that flew over the bar. The five-times cup winners side launched wave after wave of attacks in the final minutes but failed to find the breakthrough as Rayon stood firm to claim all three points.The result officially ends Tusker's hopes of progressing to the semi-finals after consecutive defeats leave them without a point in Group C. AFC Leopards fill Victor Omune's shoes with Gambian internationalThe Brewers will now turn their attention to their final group fixture, where they will be aiming to bow out of the tournament on a positive note.The victory for Rayon represents a significant step towards automatic qualification for the semi-finals, with the Rwandan heavyweights now needing a positive result against Al Hilal in their final group match to seal their place in the last four.
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