Semifinal fixtures
Gor Mahia vs Al Hilal — 3 pm
Rayon Sports activities vs Jamus SC — 7 pm
Each fixtures will happen at Kigali Pele Stadium
Rayon Sports activities waited 13 years to return to the semifinals of the CECAFA Kagame Cup. They now face a stern check towards South Sudan's Jamus SC on Tuesday as they chase a spot within the closing of the 2026 version and hold alive hopes of lifting the trophy for the primary time since 1998.
The final time the Blues reached the match's final 4 was in 2013, once they completed fourth after dropping to Sudan's Al Merrikh. Their sights are actually firmly set on going one step additional and reaching the ultimate for the primary time since their historic triumph in 1998, once they defeated Zanzibar's Mlandege to develop into the primary Rwandan group to win the trophy.
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Group captain Emmanuel Nshimiyimana mentioned the gamers are decided to put in writing a brand new chapter within the membership's historical past, noting that many members of the present squad weren’t even born when Rayon final gained the regional membership competitors.
“Once we discuss amongst ourselves or with the coach, our aim is to rewrite historical past. We additionally wish to win the trophy for Rwanda and ensure it stays within the nation,” Nshimiyimana mentioned throughout a pre-match press convention on Monday.
Rayon Sports activities are the one Rwandan membership remaining within the competitors after APR FC exited within the group stage. Standing of their means is a Jamus SC facet that has emerged as one of many match's greatest shock packages.
The South Sudanese membership navigated a tough group that featured defending champions Singida Black Stars and Tanzanian giants Simba SC. They surprised Singida with a 2-0 victory earlier than holding Simba to a goalless draw to complete on the prime of Group B.
Conscious of the problem forward, Rayon Sports activities head coach Francis Haringingo acknowledged Jamus' spectacular marketing campaign however expressed confidence that his facet is up for the duty forward of them.
The Blues can even need to deal with former captain Kevin Muhire, who now performs for Jamus SC.
Muhire captains the membership on the match and his impression is without doubt one of the causes the group is within the semifinals. Nevertheless, Haringingo insisted his group has ready to restrict the midfielder's affect.
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“Many individuals have been shocked to see Jamus qualify from such a tough group. That exhibits each opponent deserves respect as a result of anybody can problem you at this stage,” he mentioned.
“Having one in every of our former captains, Muhire, of their squad provides them an added benefit, however we’ve got ready properly and can modify our ways to neutralize that risk.”
Victory would ship Rayon Sports activities into their first CECAFA Kagame Cup closing in 28 years and transfer them one step nearer to reclaiming the regional title on residence soil.
