Rayon Sports activities ushered in a brand new period in fashion, delighting their supporters with a 2-0 victory over Kenya's Gor Mahia on Rayon Day at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Saturday.
The annual exhibition match supplied followers their first have a look at head coach Francis Haringingo's revamped squad. Solely Emmanuel Nshimiyimana and Elie Ganijuru retained their locations from final season's beginning XI, whereas the remaining starters had been all new signings making their debut in Rayon Sports activities colors.
Earlier than kick-off, the membership honoured supporters' teams that stood out through the 2025/26 season, recognising their unwavering backing and rallying them forward of the brand new marketing campaign.
Rayon Sports activities made an brisk begin and almost opened the scoring within the fourth minute when Boris Gbenou's thunderous strike crashed in opposition to the crossbar following a well-worked group transfer.
Akbar Muderi additionally compelled an early save from Gor Mahia goalkeeper Omondi, whereas Mubarak Nizeyimana got here near capitalising on a defensive lapse.
The hosts suffered an early blow within the twenty seventh minute when Gbenou limped off injured and was changed by Elie Tatou Iradukunda.
Gor Mahia step by step settled into the competition and created a number of possibilities, however goalkeeper Dande Junior produced a collection of necessary saves to maintain Rayon Sports activities degree, together with a powerful cease to disclaim Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw.
The breakthrough lastly arrived in first-half stoppage time. Nizeyimana's harmful supply induced confusion contained in the Gor Mahia penalty space, and after Omondi didn’t cope with the ball, Atisso Kodjo reacted quickest to fit dwelling within the 45 third minute.
Haringingo made a number of modifications on the break and continued to rotate his squad all through the second half, giving most of his gamers a chance to impress.
Tatou twice got here near extending Rayon Sports activities' lead after the restart, whereas Gor Mahia responded with sustained strain, successful a succession of nook kicks. Their greatest alternative got here in stoppage time when Paul Okoth's effort crashed off the crossbar.
Rayon Sports activities wrapped up the victory moments later. Substitute Herman Junior Kameni surged ahead earlier than selecting out Ndikumana Fabio, who calmly slotted dwelling to seal a 2-0 win within the 90 4th minute.
The convincing efficiency gave Rayon Sports activities supporters loads of causes for optimism forward of the brand new season.
Tchad worldwide defender Charles Tchouplaou impressed with a commanding show on the again, whereas goalscorer Atisso Kodjo, Guinean midfielder Issa Djiguiba, Kameni and teen Daniel Muhoza additionally produced encouraging performances.
