- Gor Mahia are seeking their first CECAFA Kagame Cup title in 41 years (last won in 1985).
- Gor Mahia welcome back Alpha Onyango from suspension, but will miss the suspended Jackson Dwang alongside injured trio Sylvester Owino, Patrick Essombe, and Samuel Kapen.
- The Rwandan giants enter the final with a 100% tournament record and recent head-to-head edge over Gor Mahia, having beaten them 2-0 in a pre-season friendly.
Gor Mahia will face host side Rayon Sports FC at a sold-out, 45,000-capacity Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda on Friday evening in the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final, with kickoff scheduled for 1900 Hrs.
The fixture pits the Sportpesa League champions against Rwanda’s giants in a battle for regional supremacy and a chance at the $30,000 grand prize provided by President Paul Kagame.
A victory for Gor Mahia is essential to end a 41-year drought and secure their first CECAFA Kagame Cup title since 1985.
Meanwhile, Rayon Sports, playing in front of their home supporters, travel to the Amahoro Stadium having maintained a perfect 100% winning record throughout the tournament, looking to claim their second regional title and first in 28 years following a convincing 3-1 semi-final win over South Sudan’s Jamus SC.
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Gor Mahia vs Rayon Sports Team News
Gor Mahia
Gor Mahia receive a significant boost as second assistant Captain Alpha Onyango returns to the squad.
The midfielder is available for selection after serving his one-match suspension during the semi-final against Al Hilal following his red card in the final group stage fixture against Garde Républicaine.
However, K’Ogalo will be without Jackson Dwang, who serves a mandatory suspension after receiving a red card in extra-time against Al Hilal.
They also remain without the injured trio of captain Sylvester Owino, Patrick Essombe, and Samuel Kapen, while new signing Denis Omedi remains cup-tied.
Rayon Sports
Francis Christian Haringingo has a fully fit and firing squad available for selection. Togolese marquee signing Atisso Kodjo, Guinean forward Issa Djiguiba, and 19-year-old talent Ibrahim Mansouru Djingarey—who scored in the semi-final—are all available to lead the attack.
What was said before the clash
Charles Akonnor (Gor Mahia)
The Ghanaian tactician acknowledged the challenge of facing the tournament hosts while expressing total confidence in his squad’s character.
“We have faced quality teams that have given us a good edge in our preparations,” Akonnor stated during the pre-match press conference.
“Throughout our journey to the final we have played strong opponents and the team has shown great character. I am always hungry as a coach and I never want to lose. It will be a difficult match, but we know how we shall handle it.”
ALSO READ: Why Gor Mahia coach Akonnor is wary of Rayon Sports ahead of the 2026 Kagame Cup final
Francis Christian Haringingo (Rayon Sports)
The Rwandan side’s head coach made it clear that despite their flawless tournament run, his squad enters the showpiece with complete focus.
“Getting to the final after winning all matches has been a good thing for us during this pre-season tournament. We are happy to reach the final and we shall fight to make sure that we remain with the trophy in Rwanda,” Haringingo noted. “Gor Mahia FC is a good team and we shall handle them with a lot of respect, but our sole objective now is to win the trophy.”
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Gor Mahia vs Rayon Sports H2H
The head-to-head record between these two teams leans slightly in favor of the Rwandan hosts.
Their most famous competitive meetings came during the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup group stage, where Rayon Sports held Gor Mahia to a 1-1 draw in Kigali before shocking K’Ogalo 2-1 at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
More recently, Rayon Sports claimed bragging rights just three weeks ago with a 2-0 victory over Gor Mahia during the annual Rayon Day pre-season showcase at the Kigali Pelé Stadium.
Whether Gor Mahia finally break their 41-year curse or Rayon Sports complete an unbeaten tournament run to keep the trophy on home soil, East Africa is guaranteed a champion who will claim the trophy for the first time in the 21st century.