Tusker exit Kagame Cup after defeat to Rayon Sports

Tusker FC's hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup suffered another major setback after the Kenyan side fell 1-0 to hosts Rayon Sports of Rwanda on Wednesday evening in Kigali.

Head coach Julien Mette made six changes to the side that lost to Sudan’s Al-Hilal, retaining only Brandon Obiero, Abud Omar, Chrispine Erambo, Fabian Adikiny, Stephen Etyang and Victor Mbaoma in the starting XI.

Eugene Ikutwa, Thomas Teka, Warsama Hassan, Collins Ochieng', Ian Simiyu and Yakeen Muteheli dropped to the bench, with Servyl Akouala Amuor, Aboubacar Doumbia, John Otieno, Abdoulie Joof, December Kisakah and Steve Omondi handed starting roles by the Frenchman.

The defeat marked the Brewers' second consecutive loss in Group ‘C’, having opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Sudanese giants Al-Hilal.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, Rayon Sports controlled large spells of the contest and capitalised on their chances to secure all three points, leaving Tusker rooted at the bottom of the group without a point after two matches.

Tusker, who came into the match knowing only a victory would revive their semi-final hopes, struggled to convert possession into clear-cut scoring opportunities.

Despite showing improved organisation compared to their opening fixture, the FKF Cup holders were unable to break down a disciplined Rayon Sports defence.

The loss compounds a difficult start to the regional tournament for the Brewers, who have now conceded three goals without finding the back of the net in their opening two fixtures.

Head coach Julien Mette's side must now win their remaining group match and rely on favourable results elsewhere if they are to stand any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds.

Tusker returned to the CECAFA Kagame Cup aiming to reclaim a title they have won a record five times, but consecutive defeats against Al-Hilal and Rayon Sports have left the Kenyan representatives facing an early exit from the competition.

The defeat left Tusker third in Group C without a point after two matches. The Brewers will now face Zanzibar's KVZ SC in their final group fixture, hoping to secure a win and keep alive their slim hopes of reaching the semi-finals as the best-ranked third-placed team.

Al-Hilal Omdurman and Rayon Sports are tied at the top of the group with six points each. As things stand, Tanzania's Simba SC are ahead in the race for the best third-placed spot with a goal difference of zero, while Tusker have a goal difference of -3.

"The tournament will help us prepare for both the league and the CAF Confederation Cup because it features some of the best teams in the region. CECAFA is giving us an opportunity to play high-intensity matches that we would otherwise not have within this short period.

"These highly competitive games will help us understand where we are as a team and whether we are ready for the new season," the chairman said.

Beyond preparing for the continental campaign, Tusker are targeting a deep run in the regional competition.