The Republican Guard (RG) efficiently defended the 2026 Rwanda Defence Power (RDF) Liberation Cup, cruising to a commanding 3-0 victory over Primary Army Coaching Centre (BMTC) Nasho within the soccer ultimate performed at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Saturday.
The ultimate was attended by senior authorities and army officers, together with the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, Minister of State for Sports activities, Rwego Ngarambe, and the Chief of Defence Workers (CDS) Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, amongst others.
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RG made a flying begin, taking the lead within the sixth minute via striker Mike Shema after the BMTC Nasho goalkeeper did not take care of a free ball, permitting the ahead to pounce on the defensive error.
The defending champions doubled their benefit simply seven minutes later after Claude Ishimwe was introduced down contained in the penalty space. Shema stepped up and calmly transformed the spot-kick to attain his second purpose of the match.
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Regardless of falling two objectives behind, BMTC Nasho responded with improved possession and attacking intent via the efforts of Fabrice Kayiranga, Kelly Ishimwe, and Eric Nduwayezu. Nonetheless, they had been unable to interrupt down a well-organised RG defence because the holders went into the break with a snug 2-0 lead.
BMTC Nasho returned for the second half decided to stage a comeback, however RG remained harmful on the counterattack. Their third purpose got here from a well-executed nook, with Ishimwe delivering a exact cross into the field for Shema to go house and full his hat-trick, placing the outcome past doubt.
The victory secured RG's fifth consecutive Liberation Cup title, having additionally received the competitors in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Earlier within the day, Army Well being Companies (MHS) claimed the ladies's Liberation Cup after defeating Army Police 2-1 within the ultimate.
