The Police FC side endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign despite a promising start to the season. The club finished sixth in the league and was eliminated by Rayon Sports in the quarterfinals of the Peace Cup.
Their only silverware of the season came in February, when they won the Heroes Cup after defeating APR FC on penalties. However, the trophy was not enough to secure continental CAF qualification, unlike in the 2024/25 season.
The underwhelming results have prompted the club’s management to initiate a squad reshuffle, beginning with players whose contracts have come to an end.
Among those released is Nigerian striker Ani Elijah, alongside Rwanda international Byiringiro Lague, the only Rwandan player in the group of seven departing players.
Others shown the exit include Ghanaian central defender Issah Yakubu, Nigerian defender David Chimezie, Burundian duo Msanga Henry and Richard Kirongozi, and Ugandan midfielder Allan Kateregga.
Msanga is reportedly close to joining Rayon Sports, with reports indicating he has agreed to a two-year deal.
Police FC has yet to officially announce new signings, although the club is reportedly targeting goalkeeper Tuyizere Jean Luc, whose contract with Mukura VS has expired, and midfielder Hoziyana Kennedy, who is also a free agent after leaving Marine FC.
Byiringiro Lague had spent just one and a half years at Police FC.Nigerian striker Ani Elijah parts ways with Police FC after two years at the club.Msanga is reportedly close to joining Rayon Sports, with reports indicating he has agreed to a two-year deal.Ghanaian central defender Issah Yakubu is among the players released by Police FC.
The tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will bring together the world’s top national teams. Alongside established stars, several emerging young talents are expected to play a major role for their countries, with some already viewed as long-term cornerstones of their national sides.
Below is a selection of young players expected to attract significant attention at the tournament, with one of them potentially emerging as the standout performer in the race for the Best Young Player award.
The current holder of the award is Enzo Fernández, who claimed the honour at the 2022 World Cup after helping Argentina lift the trophy. He was 21 at the time.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Lamine Yamal is among the leading contenders for the Best Young Player award, if he can overcome a hamstring injury that has clouded his World Cup preparations.
The 18-year-old is among the leading contenders for the Best Young Player award
The 18-year-old FC Barcelona forward played a key role in helping his club secure the Spanish league title, though he missed the final weeks of the season with a hamstring injury that has clouded his World Cup preparations. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has expressed confidence he will be fit for their opening game, but his level of involvement remains uncertain.
He is expected to feature alongside Pau Cubarsí, as Spain looks to mount a serious title challenge. Yamal has already established himself as one of football’s most exciting prospects following his breakthrough at Euro 2024, where he became the youngest player to feature and score in the tournament’s history, as Spain won their fourth European Championship title.
Yan Diomande (Côte d’Ivoire)
Yan Diomande will enter the tournament at 19 years and 209 days.
He is among the most closely watched young players, having scored three goals in his last nine international appearances.
Yan Diomande will enter the tournament at 19 years and 209 days.
Diomande currently plays for RB Leipzig, although he is reportedly attracting interest from several European giants, including Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, with a potential €100 million valuation.
Arda Güler (Türkiye)
Arda Güler remains one of the most highly anticipated young talents at the tournament.
Arda Güler remains one of the most highly anticipated young talents at the tournament.
The 21-year-old midfielder has stated he has no fear of any opponent at the World Cup. Following his impressive performances at Euro 2024, he is expected to lead Türkiye’s creative line alongside Kenan Yıldız.
Nico O’Reilly (England)
Nico O’Reilly is regarded as one of England’s most promising young talents.
The 21-year-old has shown remarkable versatility, operating both in defence and midfield.
After a breakthrough season with Manchester City, the 21-year-old has shown remarkable versatility, operating both in defence and midfield. He made 34 Premier League appearances, scoring five goals and providing three assists, and finished the campaign with nine goal involvements across all competitions, earning the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.
Nico Paz (Argentina)
Nico Paz is viewed as one of Argentina’s most exciting creative prospects.
The player turns 39 during the tournament, approaching what could be his final World Cup.
He is widely tipped as a potential successor in Argentina’s midfield evolution as Lionel Messi, who turns 39 during the tournament, approaches what could be his final World Cup.
Paz enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Como 1907, scoring 12 goals and registering seven assists, helping the club secure UEFA Champions League qualification.
Rayan (Brazil)
Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha is among Brazil’s emerging attacking prospects heading into the tournament.
Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha is among Brazil’s emerging attacking prospects heading into the tournament.
The 19-year-old earned his call-up following an injury to Chelsea’s Estêvão Willian. He has already impressed in international friendlies, including Brazil’s 6–2 win over Panama.
After scoring 20 goals for Vasco da Gama, Rayan joined Bournemouth, where he has added five goals and two assists in 15 appearances, contributing to the club’s historic qualification for the UEFA Europa League.
Gilberto Mora (Mexico)
Gilberto Mora is expected to be the youngest player at the tournament at just 17 years and 240 days.
Gilberto Mora is widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in international football.
He made history in 2025 as one of Mexico’s youngest senior national team call-ups and played a key role in their CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph, where he also became the youngest player to feature.
Mora, who has also competed at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, is widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in international football.
Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)
Ibrahim Mbaye is one of Senegal’s most promising young attackers.
The 18-year-old is one of Senegal’s most promising young attackers.
The 18-year-old is still developing at Paris Saint-Germain but is expected to be part of Senegal’s attacking options at the tournament. He scored three goals in 24 appearances last season.
Warren Zaïre-Emery (France)
Warren Zaïre-Emery is one of the most highly rated midfield prospects in world football.
Warren Zaïre-Emery is one of the most highly rated midfield prospects in world football.
The 20-year-old is expected to compete for a place in a highly competitive French midfield featuring Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot, N’Golo Kanté, and Manu Koné.
He made 32 appearances this season, scoring three goals and providing four assists across all competitions.
Endrick (Brazil)
Endrick is part of Brazil’s squad as they aim to reclaim the World Cup title for the first time in 24 years.
Endrick is part of Brazil’s squad aiming to win their first World Cup in 24 years.
The 19-year-old Real Madrid forward, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Olympique Lyonnais, continues to develop his reputation as one of the most exciting attacking prospects in world football.
Désiré Doué (France)
Désiré Doué has quickly established himself as one of Paris Saint-Germain’s most promising young talents.
Désiré Doué is one of Paris Saint-Germain’s most promising young talents.
The 21-year-old has already contributed to PSG’s recent European success, although his international opportunities remain limited due to strong competition in France’s attacking positions.
He has earned multiple individual accolades in both Ligue 1 and European competitions.
Lennart Karl (Germany)
Lennart Karl is among Germany’s emerging talents expected to feature at the World Cup.
Lennart Karl is one of Germany’s emerging talents expected at the World Cup.
The 18-year-old continues to develop at Bayern Munich, competing for a place alongside established young stars such as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.
This season, he has registered five goals and five assists in the Bundesliga, along with four goals in the UEFA Champions League.
Other young players to watch
Hugo Sochurek (Czech Republic, 18)
Hamza Abdelkarim (Egypt, 18)
Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Senegal, 18)
Mladen Jurkas (Bosnia and Herzegovina, 18)
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco, 18)
Kerim Alajbegovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina, 18)
Rayan Elloumi (Tunisia, 18)
Lucas Herrington (Australia, 18)
Behruzjon Karimov (Uzbekistan, 18)
Kendry Páez (Ecuador, 19)
Tyler Fletcher (Scotland, 19)
Luka Vušković (Croatia, 19)
Ayyoub Bouaddi is set to represent Morocco at the World Cup.
The announcement was made during an Extraordinary Session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture and Sports, held virtually, according to Bernard Patrick Ogwel, general secretary of Uganda’s National Council of Sports (NCS).
“We are very excited about this development because this means that Uganda will once again have the opportunity to showcase her abilities in hosting an international event,” Ogwel told Xinhua on Friday.
Uganda beat Nigeria in the bidding process to earn the right to host the Games. Kenya is the only other East African nation to have previously staged the event.
Uganda’s bid was spearheaded by State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang and centered on the newly built Hoima City Stadium and the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
“This is very good news that we have won the bid to host the 2031 African Games. I want to thank the President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the government for the support that enabled us to put in a strong bid and win the hosting rights,” Ogwang said.
The announcement comes as Uganda, together with Kenya and Tanzania, is preparing to co-host the 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the first time the three East African countries will jointly stage Africa’s flagship football tournament.
The African Games, formerly known as the All-Africa Games, are held every four years and are organized by the African Union in collaboration with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and the Association of African Sports Confederations.
The 15th edition of the Games in Uganda is expected to bring together athletes from across the continent to compete in a wide range of disciplines.
Uganda beat Nigeria in the bidding process to earn the right to host the Games. Kenya is the only other East African nation to have previously staged the event.
Constantine made the remarks on Thursday morning, June 4, 2026, as the team departed Marrakech for Casablanca before travelling on to Cairo, Egypt.
The national team had spent two days in Marrakech and was scheduled to face Comoros and Tanzania in international friendly matches on June 6 and June 9. However, the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) announced that both matches had been cancelled due to security concerns.
Speaking about the decision to relocate the camp to Egypt, Constantine said the team still needed valuable training time ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
He explained that the team would spend four to five days in Egypt working with the players while also exploring the possibility of arranging a friendly match.
According to the coach, securing an international friendly would be ideal, although a match against a club side would also serve the team’s preparations. He stressed that the primary objective was to continue training and help the players prepare adequately for the AFCON qualifiers.
Asked why Rwanda opted to continue its preparations in Egypt while some other teams returned home, the coach revealed that efforts had been made to organize friendly matches in Kigali against Uganda and Tanzania, but the plans did not materialize.
Constantine noted that Cairo was a convenient stop on the team’s route back to Rwanda and offered suitable training facilities as well as local support.
He said the coaching staff had explored the possibility of hosting Tanzania and Uganda for friendly matches in Kigali, but Uganda was unavailable while Tanzania planned to release its players back to their clubs.
As a result, the team chose between returning to Kigali for training or continuing preparations in Egypt.
He emphasized that maintaining the training camp in Egypt was more beneficial than ending preparations altogether, arguing that returning home immediately would have wasted the resources, time and effort already invested in the camp. He insisted that the team needed to continue training in order to remain focused on its objectives.
The Amavubi coach believes the additional training period will help his squad build chemistry, particularly new players such as Noam Emeran Fritz, who received his first call-up to the national team.
The squad also includes newly appointed Brazilian goalkeeping coach Ramos Dal Solio Rogerio.
Amavubi’s training camp in Egypt is expected to conclude on June 11, 2026.
Constantine explained that Amavubi would spend four to five days in Egypt working with the players while also exploring the possibility of arranging a friendly match.
The decision comes as Rwanda’s national team, Amavubi, is already in Morocco, having arrived in Marrakech on Tuesday evening to begin preparations for two friendlies against Comoros and Tanzania on June 6 and June 9, 2026.
Several media outlets report that Moroccan authorities have introduced precautionary health measures that have disrupted a series of fixtures involving African national teams.
The FRMF said the move is aimed at safeguarding players, coaching staff, officials, and supporters as fears over the spread of Ebola continue to grow across the continent.
Reports from Africasoccer and Africatopsports indicate that among the affected fixtures are Tanzania vs Uganda scheduled for June 5, Rwanda vs Comoros on June 6, Uganda vs Madagascar on June 8, and Tanzania vs Rwanda on June 9.
The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) had not yet issued an official response by press time.
Some matches are still under review, with organizers expected to take final decisions in the coming days.
These include Burundi vs Equatorial Guinea on June 4 and Comoros vs Guinea on June 9.
Despite the uncertainty, Amavubi’s full squad of 24 players is already in camp in Marrakech. The group includes Noam Fritz Emeran, the Netherlands-based player who has earned his first call-up to the national team.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has called off a number of international friendly matches scheduled to be played in the country in June.
In a letter issued on June 1, 2026, the city administration, which has been a key sponsor of both clubs, officially notified them that the current funding arrangements will come to an end at the close of the existing contract period.
According to a letter signed by the City of Kigali Mayor, Samuel Dusengiyumva, the sponsorship agreements took effect on July 1, 2025, and were set to run until June 30, 2026.
Earlier, on March 12, 2026, the City of Kigali had written to Kiyovu Sports proposing a consolidation of its supported clubs under a single structure, involving AS Kigali and Gasogi United.
However, the proposed arrangement was not accepted by Gasogi United.
Dusengiyumva thanked the clubs for their cooperation throughout the partnership period, noting that the collaboration had contributed to the development of sports and talent promotion in the city.
“I am writing to inform you that the financial support provided by the City of Kigali will cease upon the expiration of the partnership agreement on June 30, 2026,” he stated.
“I also take this opportunity to appreciate the partnership and results achieved during our collaboration in promoting sports and nurturing talent within the City of Kigali.”
Gasogi United FC president Kakoza Nkuriza Charles also expressed gratitude for the partnership, saying it had contributed positively to the club’s development and youth empowerment.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the fruitful journey we have shared, which ensured smooth cooperation between Gasogi United Football Club and the City of Kigali,” he said.
He added that the partnership had helped identify and develop young talent, giving opportunities to Rwandan youth and improving their access to education and football-related prospects.
“Throughout this journey, we have worked together to change many lives,” he noted.
Under the arrangement, the City of Kigali had been providing an annual sponsorship of about Rwf 150 million to each club. In return, the teams promoted city campaigns related to hygiene, security, and other public awareness initiatives.
With the end of these agreements, AS Kigali remains the only club still directly supported by the City of Kigali.
AS Kigali remains the only team sponsored by the City of Kigali. The City of Kigali has announced the end of sponsorship partnership with Kiyovu Sports and Gasogi United FC effective June 30, 2026.
Supporters dressed in shirts bearing seven stars in tribute to the club’s record run of seven consecutive league titles, while players and coaches wore commemorative outfits featuring the three trophies won this season.
The military side capped off the 2025/26 campaign by winning the Rwanda Premier League, the Peace Cup and the FERWAFA Super Cup, completing a domestic treble and extending its grip on local football.
The latest triumph also marked a historic milestone, as APR FC became the first club in Rwanda to win seven league titles in a row. The club’s previous best run had been three consecutive championships.
Speaking during the celebrations, APR FC Honorary Chairman and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, said the club’s ambitions remain unchanged despite its recent success.
“Now the trophies are going to keep coming; others should be prepared. APR will always compete for trophies and in large numbers. Winning trophies is what makes us happy, and we will continue striving for more,” he said.
The celebrations followed APR FC’s 2-0 victory over Gicumbi FC at Kigali Pele Stadium, where the champions were officially presented with their 24th league title since joining the top flight in 1995.
Goals from William Mel Togui and league top scorer Djibril Ouattara sealed the win, providing a fitting conclusion to another successful campaign.
Ouattara, who finished the season with 18 league goals, added to his impressive tally with a second-half header, while Togui opened the scoring in the first half from a tight angle.
APR supporters also welcomed the sight of Andrew Buteera carrying the newly designed Rwanda Premier League trophy onto the pitch before the presentation ceremony. Buteera has now won seven league titles with APR FC, matching the club’s remarkable streak of seven consecutive championships.
Club captain Claude Niyomugabo received the trophy from FERWAFA President Fabrice Shema Ngoga and Rwanda Premier League Chairman Youssouf Mudaheranwa before lifting it alongside teammates and club officials in front of jubilant supporters.
The celebrations later moved to the Senior Officers’ Mess in Kimihurura, where military leadership hosted players, coaches and fans in recognition of a season that delivered three trophies.
During the event, Gen Muganga outlined the club’s next objectives, including winning the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, which will be hosted in Rwanda from July 18 to August 8.
He also expressed a desire to see President Paul Kagame return to watch APR FC matches and proposed free entry for children aged 15 and below at all APR FC home games, provided they wear the club’s colours.
APR FC management rewarded players and members of the technical staff with cash bonuses in appreciation of their achievements throughout the season.
Supporters’ group APR Diaspora Fan Club also recognized the club’s standout performers, awarding Rwf500,000 each to top scorer Djibril Ouattara and defender Jean Gilbert Byiringiro for their contributions during the campaign.
Having completed a domestic treble and extended their record league-winning streak, APR FC now turns its attention to regional competition as it seeks to add more silverware to an already memorable season.
Defender Clément Niyigena poses for a photo with fans after the match.Niyigena, whose contract with APR FC expires this season, was among the club’s standout performers and has reportedly attracted interest from Sudanese giants Al-Hilal SC.
APR FC head coach Abderrahim Taleb made his way around the entire stadium, greeting supporters following the match.An APR FC supporter takes a selfie with the club’s captain, Claude Niyomugabo.Moroccan coach Abderrahim Taleb has completed one year in charge of APR FC.It was a joyful moment for APR FC fans, who had the opportunity to take photos with the players.APR FC supporters’ spokesperson Mugisha Frank, also known as “Jangwani,” hands a microphone to a young fan of the club.After the match, a large banner reading “Club Giant” was displayed at the center of the pitch, symbolizing APR FC’s status as a football powerhouse.Mauritanian striker Mamadou Sy also requested a camera and took photos himself.A visibly delighted coach Taleb paused to pose for photographs.APR FC coaching staff pose for a group photograph.Iraguha Hadji (center, front) and Ishimwe Abdul (rear) celebrate winning the league title for the first time in their careers.Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff and APR FC Honorary Chairman Gen Mubarakh Muganga applauds the team.APR FC Secretary General Col (Rtd) Vincent Mugisha, Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff Gen Mubarakh Muganga, Land Forces Chief Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, and Reserve Force Chief Maj Gen Alex Kagame jointly lift the Rwanda Premier League trophy won by APR FC.
APR FC players and coaching staff celebrate winning the league title.
The debutants delivered a memorable performance to secure a historic title on home soil, overcoming one of the tournament’s most experienced and successful clubs in a closely contested final. The clash was attended by high-ranking dignitaries, including President Paul Kagame.
The Tigers become the first Rwandan team to lift the trophy in the tournament’s sixth edition.
American guard Craig Randall II once again proved decisive for the Tigers, leading all scorers with 33 points in a standout display that powered the Rwandan side to victory. His consistency throughout the tournament was rewarded as he was named BAL 2026 Most Valuable Player (MVP), edging out teammate Mangok Mathiang as well as Petro de Luanda duo Childe Dundao and Aboubacar Gakou for the top individual honour.
The final lived up to expectations, with both teams battling intensely in a game that remained competitive until the decisive moments. RSSB Tigers, however, held their nerve in front of a passionate home crowd to complete a remarkable championship run in their first appearance in the competition.
In the third-place playoff earlier on Sunday, Libya’s Al Ahly Ly secured the bronze medal after defeating their Egyptian counterparts, Al Ahly SC, 106–98 at BK Arena. The Benghazi-based side bounced back strongly from their semifinal defeat to Petro de Luanda, with Majok Deng and Charlie Moore combining for 52 points to seal a podium finish.
Petro de Luanda had reached the final after a dramatic semifinal victory over Al Ahly Ly on Thursday, where they overturned a late deficit to win 94–88. That comeback, driven by Lukeny Gonçalves and Childe Dundao, set up what was expected to be another title push for the Angolan champions, who have a strong BAL pedigree, including the 2024 championship and multiple top-four finishes in recent seasons.
However, it was RSSB Tigers who ultimately rose to the occasion, completing a fairytale debut campaign by lifting the BAL trophy and etching their name into the competition’s history.
RSSB Tigers defeated Petro de Luanda 90–88 to win the 2026 BAL title.The Tigers become the first Rwandan team to lift the trophy in the tournament’s sixth edition.The final lived up to expectations, with both teams battling intensely in a game that remained competitive until the decisive moments. American guard Craig Randall II once again proved decisive for the Tigers, leading all scorers with 33 points in a standout display that powered the Rwandan side to victory. His consistency throughout the tournament was rewarded as he was named BAL 2026 Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The two-day tournament was held at the Gisagara Indoor Stadium and brought together six teams across both categories.
In the men’s competition, three teams took part: REG VC, Police VC and Gisagara VC. In the women’s category, the participating teams were RRA WVC, Police WVC and RP Huye.
The men’s preliminary matches were staged in Gisagara, where REG VC and Police VC progressed to the final. In the women’s category, matches were played at the University of Rwanda, Huye campus, with RRA WVC and Police WVC advancing to the final.
Ahead of the finals on Saturday, Minister of Environment Dr. Arakwiye Bernadette joined residents of Gisagara District in a community work exercise (Umuganda) to launch Rwanda’s Environment Week and mark the closure of the #GreenAmayaga initiative.
The women’s final was the first to be played at Gisagara Indoor Stadium and produced a tightly contested encounter. RRA WVC took an early lead, winning the first two sets 26–24 and 25–22 against Police WVC.
RRA WVC were then one set away from the title, but Police WVC responded strongly, taking the third and fourth sets 25–15 and 25–23 to force a decisive fifth set.
In the tie-break, RRA WVC held their nerve to secure a 15–11 win, sealing a 3–2 victory and clinching the women’s title.
The men’s final followed and proved equally competitive, going the full five sets. REG VC started strongly, taking the first two sets 25–19 and 25–18.
Police VC, however, mounted a comeback, winning the third and fourth sets 25–23 and 25–22 to level the match at 2–2.
In the decisive fifth set, Police VC prevailed 15–11 to complete a 3–2 victory and claim the men’s title.
The champions, Police VC and RRA WVC, each received Rwf 4 million. Runners-up REG VC and Police WVC were awarded Rwf 3 million each, while third-placed teams Gisagara VC and RP Huye received Rwf 1.5 million.
RRA defeated Police WVC 3–2 in sets in the women’s final.REG VC and Police VC contested the men’s final.RRA WVC celebrate their championship title, which came with a prize of Rwf 4 million.Police VC celebrate their men’s championship title, which also came with a prize of Rwf 4 million. REG VC received Rwf 3 million after finishing second in the men’s category.
The tense final, held at the neutral Puskás Aréna in Budapest, saw the French giants defend their European title in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.
Writing on the social media platform X shortly after the final whistle on Saturday night, President Kagame extended warm congratulations to both clubs, noting their shared connection to the country’s global tourism initiative, Visit Rwanda.
“Congratulations to our #VisitRwanda partner Paris Saint-Germain on their well-deserved UEFA Champions League title and on being crowned champions for the second consecutive year,” Kagame wrote. “Congratulations as well to Arsenal on reaching the final and fighting with determination until the very end. Both clubs have made their supporters proud, but tonight, PSG proved to be the better team!”
The tense final, held at the neutral Puskás Aréna in Budapest, saw the French giants defend their European title in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.
A night of heartbreak and drama in Budapest
The highly anticipated final pitted Luis Enrique’s attacking Paris Saint-Germain lineup against Mikel Arteta’s resilient, tactically structured Arsenal. The English side started the match with lightning intensity, catching the Parisian defense off guard in just the 5th minute. Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard picked out German forward Kai Havertz in the half-space, who clinicaly thrashed a sharp left-footed strike high into the top corner past PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov to make it 1-0.
Following the early setback, PSG gradually took total control of the momentum, suffocating the Gunners with high pressing and dominating possession. Despite a barrage of first-half attempts from Fabián Ruiz and driving wide play by Ousmane Dembélé, Arsenal’s defense, anchored by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, held firm until the break.
The turning point arrived in the 61st minute of the second half when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drew a foul inside the penalty box. Following a tense VAR confirmation, the referee upheld the penalty decision. Dembélé stepped up to the spot in the 64th minute, restoring parity with a precise, low finish into the bottom-left corner.
Both managers empty-handed their benches in the final stages of normal time and extra time, introducing fresh legs like Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaïre-Emery for PSG, and Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze for Arsenal, but neither side could break the 1-1 deadlock, forcing the final into a penalty shootout.
The shootout provided standard-setting drama. After early conversions from both sides, Arsenal suffered a setback when Eze missed his spot-kick, though hope was briefly restored when PSG’s Nuno Mendes missed his shortly after. Tensions peaked in the final round: substitute defender Lucas Beraldo calmly dispatched PSG’s fifth penalty to make it 4-3. The immense pressure then fell to Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães, whose subsequent attempt failed to find the net, sealing back-to-back European glory for Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal centre-back Gabriel was brilliant in keeping PSG’s forward line quiet.
‘Visit Rwanda’ wins big
Saturday’s clash between PSG and Arsenal also put a major spotlight on the “Visit Rwanda” brand, which continues to position Rwanda as a premium tourism destination.
The “Visit Rwanda” campaign launched its foundational partnership with Arsenal in 2018, becoming the club’s official tourism partner and its first-ever sleeve sponsor. The collaboration was designed to showcase Rwanda as a vibrant luxury tourism destination and a hub for eco-adventure, leveraging the Premier League’s massive global television footprint.
Building on the success of the Arsenal deal, Rwanda expanded its sports diplomacy footprint in December 2019 by signing a multi-year partnership with Paris Saint-Germain. The agreement grants Visit Rwanda premium visibility at the Parc des Princes stadium, opens avenues for cultural and artistic collaborations, and focuses on developing youth football academy programs within Rwanda.
By integrating tourism promotion with top-tier European football, the partnerships have driven significant increases in leisure travel and foreign investment to Rwanda, making Saturday’s final a historic “Visit Rwanda derby” on club football’s grandest stage.
President Paul Kagame has hailed Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League triumph while praising the relentless determination displayed by runners-up Arsenal F.C.Ousmane Dembélé converted a second-half penalty to get Paris Saint-Germain on the scoresheet.Gabriel Magalhães’ missed penalty sealed PSG’s trophy triumph.
