Jamus SC’s Historic CECAFA Kagame Cup Run Ends in Semifinal Defeat
By Isaac Denish
South Sudan’s Jamus SC bowed out of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup after suffering a 3-1 defeat to hosts Rayon Sports in the semifinal at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Tuesday night.
Despite the loss, the Juba-based club leaves the tournament with its reputation enhanced after an impressive debut campaign that signaled its emergence as one of East Africa’s rising football sides.
Under newly appointed head coach Saber Ben Jabria, Jamus SC topped Group B unbeaten with seven points. The South Sudanese champions opened their campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over defending champions Singida Black Stars before holding Tanzanian giants Simba SC to a goalless draw, with goalkeeper Majak Maling Mawith delivering a standout performance.
Jamus sealed top spot in the group by coming from behind to defeat Mogadishu City Club 2-1 after recovering from an early own goal. Mario Taban Cherelino and Laurent Ramazani scored second-half goals to secure the comeback victory.
In the semifinal, Rayon Sports took control early when Akbar Museri opened the scoring in the 17th minute after a defensive mistake. Ibrahim Mansouru Djingarey doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 59th minute.
Jamus responded in the 70th minute when substitute Diallo Bandiougou scored to reduce the deficit and revive hopes of a comeback. However, as the South Sudanese side pushed for an equalizer, Gloire Ngongo Tambwe struck in the 88th minute to seal a 3-1 victory for the Rwandan club.
Rayon Sports will now face Kenya’s Gor Mahia in Friday’s final.
Although Jamus SC fell short of reaching the championship match, their run to the semifinals marks one of the strongest performances by a South Sudanese club in regional competition. The team’s disciplined displays and fearless approach under Ben Jabria provide a solid platform for future domestic and continental campaigns.
