Nine times Rwanda Premier League champions Rayon Sports’ hopes of qualifying for CAF club football next season were dashed after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Peace Cup semi-finalists Gorilla FC on Friday, May 16th, 2026 at Kigali Pelé Stadium.
The draw ultimately proved costly for Rayon Sports, as it allowed the league’s defending champions APR FC — now second on 59 points, eight ahead of Rayon with only two matches remaining — to secure their status as the highest-ranked Rwandan team in the league and a place in next season’s CAF Champions League despite losing the league title to Sudanese side Al Hilal.
Meanwhile, a victory over AS Muhanga could see Kiyovu overtake Rayon Sports into fourth place.
Rayon Sports head coach Francis Haringingo made several notable changes to his starting XI ahead of the crucial fixture. First-choice goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera missed the game through illness as defender Youssou Diagne was also due to an injury, while key players Elie Ganijuru, Gloire Tambwe and striker Asman Ndikumana started on the bench.
Ben Aziz Dao, Fabrice Nshimiyimana, Likau Kitoko and Yves Habimana were handed starting roles as Rayon searched for a must-win result to keep their fading title hopes alive.
Hesbon Rutonesha struck for Gorilla FC in the 17th minute, against the run of play to stun the home crowd and hand the visitors a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Later, in the 84th minute Abed Bigirimana scored the equaliser to rescue a point for the Blues.
