Kagame Cup: Tusker seek win against hosts Rayon Sports

Tusker are aiming to bounce back from their opening defeat at the ongoing 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup when they take on hosts Rayon Sports at Kigali Pele Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda on Wednesday from 9PM.

The Kenyan side head into the Group ‘C’ clash seeking their first points of the tournament after falling 2-0 to Sudanese giants Al Hilal in their opening match.

Their opponents Rayon Sports will be full of confidence after beginning their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Zanzibar Premier League champions Kikosi cha Valantia Zanzibar Sports Club (KVZ FC), leaving the Rwandan club level on three points with Al Hilal at the top of the group.

Tusker captain Abud Omar believes the Brewers have learned valuable lessons from their first outing and says the team is determined to be more clinical in front of goal.

"We have learned a lot so now it is time to rectify our mistakes. We had a lot of chances but we didn't utilize them," said Omar.

The defender added that the squad has reviewed its performance and is eager to produce an improved display against the hosts.

"Right now, I think we have seen those mistakes so any chance that we get, we must score it. The players are motivated. We have watched some videos and saw our mistakes. Most of the strikers are very hungry, they want to score and that's a good spirit."

Head coach Julien Mette expects a difficult encounter against a Rayon Sports side backed by home support but remains confident his players are adapting well despite changes in the attacking department.

"We are optimistic. They are playing at home in front of their fans. They will want to have the ball and play to win, of course."

The Belgian tactician noted that several of Tusker's attacking players are still settling into the team following recent squad changes.

"We have new players up front and on the wings, so it's hard for them to play 100 percent of their game physically, mentally and socially. They have to work and learn from their teammates," Mette said.

The match could prove decisive in the race for the semi-finals, with Tusker needing a positive result to revive their qualification hopes after the opening-round loss.

Rayon Sports, on the other hand, will be aiming for a second consecutive win to move closer to a place in the knockout stage and will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and continue their unbeaten start.