Africa-Press – Rwanda. Republican Guard (RG) clinched their fourth consecutive RDF Liberation Cup title after a narrow 1-0 victory over 3 Infantry Division (3ID) in the final held on Thursday, July 3, at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Pierre Ndagijimana scored the only goal of the match in the 60th minute to cap off RG’s dominant second-half display after both sides played a goalless draw in the first half.
It was 3 Infantry Division who looked more aggressive from the onset as they pushed for an early lead. Jean Pierre Mugabowukuri thought he had given them the lead in the 15th minute, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on RG goalkeeper Emmy Murenzi.
The division maintained pressure and controlled possession early, but RG stood firm thanks to their perfect defending.
RG nearly broke the deadlock in the 18th minute through Maike Shema but his header from Ndagijimana’s corner kick hit the post. Ten minutes later, club skipper Ian Kagame also came close to scoring through a header which was saved by the 3ID goalkeeper.
RG were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute after a brilliant solo run by Ndagijimana on the left flank. His cross reached Ernest Ntwari who played it back into the box before an under-pressure 3ID side conceded a penalty for handball.
However, they again wasted the chance of breaking the deadlock after Shema missed the opportunity from the spot as he instead fired the ball over the bar.
3ID had to respond as they turned from defending to attacking which resulted into a dangerous free kick in the 55thminute but Murenzi kept his team into the game with a strong save.
A minute later, Zacharie Tuyishimire, found himself free to head home the opening goal but the RG shot-stopper once again denied the effort with an impressive save.
RG finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute through Ndagijimana whose goal proved enough to seal the trophy, their fourth in a row.
Earlier in the day, 4 Infantry Division defeated Military Police Brigade 2-1 to claim third place.
The 2025 RDF Liberation Cup tournament began in April across various RDF deployment zones, featuring competitions in football, basketball, volleyball, and netball.
Seventeen teams from RDF units and formations participated, divided into four groups. The tournament, held under national and international sports rules, serves as part of the celebrations for Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day, with trophies, medals, and awards presented to the top teams.
Held annually, the Liberation Cup provides a platform for RDF units to showcase athletic talent while promoting inter-unit relations and overall force cohesion.
Republican Guard players celebrate the goal at Kigali Pele Stadium
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