Gor Mahia vs Rayon Sports CECAFA Kagame Cup Preview
The trophy is on the line as Kenya's Gor Mahia battle Rayon Sports of Rwanda in the final of the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
The Rwandans have been perfect so far and with the tournament on home soil, will be confident of edging out their rivals.
Key Stats
Rayon Sports have won all four of their matches in the Kagame Cup.
Rayon Sports are unbeaten in the last three matches against Gor Mahia.
Gor Mahia have failed to win four of their last six matches in all competitions.
Solid Record for Rayon Sports
Rayon Sports have a solid record in this fixture, having gone unbeaten in three previous matches against Gor Mahia. The most recent meeting was a CAF Confederation Cup clash back in 2019, which ended 2-1 in favour of the Rwandans.
Gor Mahia Stumbles Through
Gor Mahia needed penalties before seeing out Al Hilal Omdurman in the semi-final after playing out a 1-1 draw in regulation time. They benefited from an early own goal by Steven Ebuela and held on to win the shootout.
It has not been the most convincing campaign for Gor Mahia, who have had to scrap through after kicking things off with a 5-0 victory over APR. The Kenyans have also failed to earn a regulation-time win in two of their last three matches.
Beyond the Kagame Cup, Gor Mahia's overall form has also been a bit underwhelming in recent times. They are winless in four of their last six matches in all competitions.
Perfect Run for Rayon Sports
Rayon Sports eased into the final after claiming a 3-1 victory over Jamus in their previous fixture. They were comfortable throughout the contest, with goals from Akbar Muderi, Ibrahim Djingarey and Gloire Tambwe getting the goals.
That result is an extension of Rayon Sports' impressive showing at the Kagame Cup as they have taken advantage of the tournament being held on home soil. The Rwandan giants have maintained a perfect record so far, winning all four of their matches.
Rayon Sports' impressive showings at the Kagame Cup appear to be driven by a solid backline. They only conceded for the first time in the tournament in the semi-final.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Gor Mahia (4-3-3): Bryne Omondi; Daniel Sakari, Mike Kibwage, Frank Odhiambo, Bryton Onyona; Hansel Alpha Onyango, Lawrence Juma, Enoch Machaka; Shariff Sabuni, Patrick Essombe, Paul Okoth.
Midfielder Onyango missed the semi-final for Gor Mahia through suspension and is available to feature on Friday. Essombe could also return to the team after sitting out the win over Al Hilal Omdurman.
Rayon Sports (4-3-3): Dande Junior; Elie Ganijuru, Emmanuel Nshimiyimana, Nshuti Didier, Charles Tchouplaou; Akbar Muderi, Ibrahim Djingarey, Gloire Tambwe; Attisso Kodjo, Elie Iradukunda, Junior Kameni.
Muderi and Djingarey should retain their place in midfield after setting Rayon Sport on their way to victory in the semi-final. Nshimiyimana is set to feature at the back while Kodjo should continue in attack.