Tusker FC’s regional ambitions came to an abrupt and painful end on Wednesday evening after suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of host side Rayon Sports. The loss at Kigali Pelé Stadium sealed back-to-back Group C defeats for the Brewers, mathematically confirming their early exit from the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup with a game still to play.
Head coach Julien Mette rotated his lineup significantly following their opening 2-0 loss to Sudan’s Al Hilal, ringing in six changes to spark life into his squad. Despite a promising start and bright spells from key players like Fabian Adikiny, converted chances once again proved to be the ultimate undoing for the Kenyan representatives.
A Cruel Blow Before the Break
The decisive moment came just before halftime when Togolese forward Antonio Kossivi Atisso Kodjo found space inside the penalty area and calmly slotted past Brandon Obiero to give Rayon Sports the lead.
Tusker threw everything forward in the second half searching for a lifeline, with defender John Otieno coming close with a header while new signing December Kisakah flashed a low effort just wide. However, Rayon Sports held firm under pressure to secure all three points in front of a boisterous home crowd.
While the Brewers still have a final group fixture remaining against Zanzibar’s KVZ SC, the match is now a mere formality as Mette turns his attention toward building cohesion ahead of the upcoming FKF Premier League campaign and CAF Confederation Cup fixtures.
