The Republican Guard, the elite unit that protects Rwanda’s top leaders, has claimed the Liberation Cup 2025 title after defeating the Rwanda Defence Force’s 3rd Division with a narrow 1-0 victory.
The final match, which marked the culmination of a three-month-long tournament, was held yesterday, Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Kigali Pele Stadium. The decisive moment came in the 65th minute, when Ndagijimana Pierre calmly lobbed the goalkeeper, Tuyisenge Jean Népo, after receiving a precise pass inside the penalty area, securing the sole goal of the match.
The Republican Guard, captained by Capt. Ian Kagame, showcased their dominance throughout the game. They could have extended their lead earlier in the second half, but Shema Mike missed a penalty awarded after a handball by Niyoringiye Fils on a cross from Byiringiro Moses.
Goalkeeper Murenzi Emmy was instrumental in the Republican Guard’s win, making multiple crucial saves, including one that denied Division 3 a first-half equalizer, which referee Nsabimana Célestin ruled out due to a foul.
In the football third-place play-off, the 4th Infantry Division secured a 2–1 win against the Military Police, rounding out the top performers in the tournament’s most-watched discipline.
Beyond the football pitch, the Liberation Cup featured competitions in several other sports, with the Republican Guard and the Rwanda Military Academy demonstrating their all-around sporting strength:
- Football: Republican Guard
- Netball: Rwanda Military Academy
- Volleyball: Republican Guard
- Basketball: Rwanda Military Academ
The top three performing teams in all four sports were also honored with medals, acknowledging their outstanding excellence, unwavering discipline, and exemplary sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Leadership commends sportsmanship and values
The final match and trophy ceremony were graced by high-profile dignitaries, including Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, State Minister for Sports Rwego Ngarambe, and Inspector General of Police CG Félix Namuhoranye. Military representatives from Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, and Burundi also attended the event, underscoring its growing regional significance.
Officiating the closing ceremony, Minister of Defence Hon. Juvenal Marizamunda praised the teams and attendees for their sportsmanship and effort. He underscored the deep historical significance of sports within the RDF, stating, “These games are designed to strengthen physical fitness and broaden soldiers’ mental agility. They also instill teamwork, morale, discipline, and the culture of healthy competition while promoting a sporting lifestyle.”
General MK Mubarakh, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, reflected on the historical roots of such competitions, emphasizing, “Sports among soldiers have deep historical roots, during the liberation struggle, when morale was low, President Paul Kagame encouraged games between battalions to uplift spirits.”
