Captain Ian Kagame (c) and teammates celebrate with their supporters as the Republican Guard team won the third straight RDF Liberation Cup tournament after defeating BMTC Nasho 3-0 in the 2024 final match at Kigali Pele stadium on Sunday, June 16. Photos by Craish Bahizi
The Republican Guard (RG) team on Sunday, June 16, won their third straight RDF Liberation Cup competition after defeating Basic Military Training Center Nasho (BMTC Nasho) 3-0 in the 2024 final match held at Kigali Pelé Stadium .
The final match that attracted many spectators, was also attended by Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda and Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakah Muganga and other senior RDF officers.
A notable highlight of the match was the presence of the commandant of the Republican Guard, Major General Willy Rwagasana who was named in RG’s starting lineup as the captain of the team which also featured President Paul Kagame’s son, Captain Ian Kagame.
The 3-0 final match enabled the Republican Guard (RG) team to be crowned the 2024 RDF Liberation Cup tournament Champions .
The New Times photographer Craish Bahizi took different pictures of the game and brought the highlights.
Inspector General of Police Félix Namuhoranye and other RDF senior officers greet players before starting the game
Major General Willy Rwagasana who was named in RG’s starting lineup as the captain of the team and Central referee Samuel Uwinkunda talk to BMTC Nasho captain Kelly Ishimwe before the game.
The 2024 final match took place at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, June 16. Photos by Craish Bahizi
Team captains and referees pose for a photo before the game at Kigali Pele Stadium
The Republican Guard team head coach Gasana gives instruction to his player
Players battle for the ball during the first half. The first half saw both teams primarily battling in midfield with few clear chances.
The Republican Guard football team supporters at the stadium
BMTC Nasho winger wins the ball against RG players during the game. BMTC Nasho had earned their final spot after defeating Combat Training Centre (CTC) Gabiro.
The Republican Guard football team player controls the ball against BMTC Nasho's winger Celestin Furaha during the match
The 2024 final match took place at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, June 16. Photos by Craish Bahizi
Supporters of Basic Military Training Center Nasho's team
RDF senior officers watch the game
RG player vies for the ball with BMTC Nasho's captain Kelly Ishimwe during the match
Republican Guard defender, Captain Ian Kagame during the match.
The 2024 final match of RDF Liberation Cup tournament held at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Sunday, June 16.
One of the supporters of RG team with a Vuvuzela, backing his team.
Basic Military Training Center Nasho's midfielder dribbles past RG player during the final
The 2024 final match of RDF Liberation Cup tournament held at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Sunday, June 16.
Players celebrate the first goal during the 2024 final match of RDF Liberation Cup tournament at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Sunday, June 16.
The Republican Guard team supporters celebrate the victory
The Republican Guard football team players celebrate the 3rd goal at Kigali Pele stadium
Players celebrating the victory
Rwanda's international referee Samuel Uwinkunda,
Republican Guard supporters cheer on players as their side scored the second ball
RDF officers interact at the stadium
The first half saw both teams primarily battling in midfield with few clear chances.
The 2024 final match took place at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, June 16. Photos by Craish Bahizi
Captain Ian Kagame and his teammates while celebrating the 3-0 victory over Basic Military Training Center Nasho to win the title
Players celebrate the 3-0 win
The 2024 final match took place at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, June 16. Photos by Craish Bahizi
The Republican Guard players cheer to their teammates after winning their third straight RDF Liberation Cup tournament as they defeated BMTC Nasho 3-0 in the 2024 final match. Photos by Craish Bahizi
Captain Ian Kagame (c) and teammates celebrate with their supporters as the Republican Guard team won the third straight RDF Liberation Cup tournament after defeating BMTC Nasho 3-0 in the 2024 final match at Kigali Pele stadium on Sunday, June 16. Photos by Craish Bahizi
Supporters celebrating the victory
The Republican Guard players pose for a photo after winning their third straight RDF Liberation Cup tournament as they defeated BMTC Nasho 3-0 in the 2024 final match. Photos by Craish Bahizi
The 2024 final match took place at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sunday, June 16. Photos by Craish Bahizi
The Republican Guard supporters celebrate as they defeated BMTC Nasho 3-0 in the 2024 final match.
During the awarding event , different teams were awarded.
Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff Gen Mubarakh Muganga delivers his remarks during the awarding ceremony.
Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda hands over the trophy to the team captain Ian Kagame after winning the game.
The Republican Guard team players and supporters celebrate the victory for winning their third straight RDF Liberation Cup tournament after defeating BMTC Nasho 3-0 in the 2024 final match at Kigali Pele stadium on Sunday, June 16. Photo by Craish Bahizi
The Republican Guard players pose for a photo after winning their third straight RDF Liberation Cup tournament as they defeated BMTC Nasho 3-0 in the 2024 final match.Craish Bahizi