Gor Mahia’s preseason opener was more about drawing lessons than the result after they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Rwandan side Rayon Sports in a friendly played during the club’s annual Rayon Day celebrations at Pele Stadium in Kigali on Saturday.
The match served as part of their preparations for the task ahead, with the record Kenyan champions set to feature in the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, which will also be held in Rwanda, next week.
Buoyed by their home supporters on their special day, Rayon Sports created more clear-cut chances than K’Ogalo and almost took the lead early on, only to be denied by the woodwork.
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Gor Mahia fall to Rayon Sports
Just when the game appeared destined to head into the break goalless, the hosts finally broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time.
On the right wing, Rwandan striker Nizeyimana Moubarak received a well-weighted pass before bursting down the flank from a quick throw-in.
He then slipped the ball through Mike Kibwage’s legs and into the box, where Atisso Kodjo’s initial touch fell kindly after Byrne Odhiambo missed his sliding clearance.
The Togolese midfielder made no mistake, finding the back of the net to hand Rayon Sports the lead.
Gor Mahia came back stronger after the restart and pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a breakthrough. Instead, Rayon doubled their advantage through another attack from the flanks.
This time, Junior Kameni beat Gor defenders Frank Odhiambo and Sylvester Owino before firing a low effort that Fabio Ndukimana cleverly lobbed it over an advancing Odhiambo, already off his line, to seal the victory on their celebratory eveing.
Gor Mahia will now shift their attention to the CECAFA Kagame Cup, where they will be looking to make amends for the mistakes exposed in their preseason opener.
The CECAFA Kagame Cup kicks off on July 24, with Gor Mahia drawn in Group A alongside Rwanda’s APR, Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine and Uganda’s Vipers SC. K’Ogalo will also be chasing their first regional title in 41 years.